Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Latin American, Panama, Kuna People, ca. early 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden figure known as a nuchu (uchu) by the indigenous Kuna (or Guna) people of Panama and Colombia. Standing upright with arms parallel to his body, his visage is dominated by a heavy brow above sunken eyes and a prominent nose, while a pair of wing-like extensions rise from his sloped shoulders. Nuchugana (plural of nuchu) are carved to represent "wakka" - non-Guna people - and carvers frequently use powerful figures for models believing that they will inspire powerful spirits. As a result, nuchu figures frequently depict politicians (Eisenhower, Churchill, JFK), soldiers (Macarthur, Eisenhower), priests, or royalty. Size: 3.5" W x 17.7" H (8.9 cm x 45 cm); 19.3" H (49 cm) on included custom stand.

The Kuna people live on a series of thirty islands in the archipelago of San Blas in the Caribbean. This is a region of high humidity, hot temperatures, and intense rains. In their traditional medicinal practice, bad spirits of illness – known as "ponis" – must be expelled from the body by a traditional medicine man called an "inatuledi." The medicine man removes the illness using a nuchu – a good spirit – who is represented in wooden carvings. Nuchugana (plural of nuchu) are highly cherished by the Kuna people and, once the ill person has been healed, the nuchu is passed down from generation to generation.

Provenance: ex-Uncommon Objects, Austin, Texas, USA

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#177990

  • Condition: Nicks, chips, and abrasions to surface with areas of splintering, all commensurate with age. Small perforation to left wing, but otherwise intact with rich patina. Drilled to fit on custom stand.

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March 30, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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