Lot 236
Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chancay culture, ca. 1200 to 1400 CE. An evocative pottery male figure known as a cuchimilco or stargazer displaying a characteristically symmetric body and surprised expression yet uniquely decorated with stylized fish on the verso and target motifs across the chest. Eyes open wide and mouth agape, the figure stands atop straight legs with upraised arms and head angled toward the heavens. The body is wonderfully monolithic and rounded, with prominent male anatomy exposed and tumescent. Though their precise function is unknown, cuchimilcos have often been found in the tombs of Chancay nobility, leading some scholars to believe they may represent family members of the deceased and served as guardian figures - their outstretched hands intended to absorb negative energy, keeping it away from the body or spirit with which they were buried. Cuchimilcos are often found in pairs of male and female, indicating the importance of divine duality. Note the rich mica deposits glistening throughout this lovely example! Size: 12.6" W x 22.1" H (32 cm x 56.1 cm)
The Chancay people were exceptional ceramic and textile artisans, and archaeologists have often found cuchimilcos in the tombs of Chancay nobility. Some scholars believe that their outstretched hands were intended to absorb negative energy. Chancay artisans created ceramics that are quite distinctive in form and decoration - finely painted and molded with specific decorative details carefully added by hand as we see in this example.
Provenance: private Healy collection, Studio City, California, USA, acquired July 15, 2019; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, July 15th, 2019; ex-private Danish collection, acquired in the 1970s, collection #1535
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#175157
- Condition: Stable hair line fissure on verso of neck and left shoulder. Expected nicks and abrasions to surface, commensurate with age. Some scattered areas of minor restoration on feet and near mouth. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remaining pigments. Earthen and mica deposits throughout.
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