Lot 99A
Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chancay, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. A hollow-molded terracotta Cuchimilco with raised arms and a boldly painted face mask of chocolate brown markings as well as a headband and chin strap with intricate patterns. The figure represents a female, as her body bears low relief nipples and an incised line indicating her clitoris. The headress is perforated for the addition of feathers or other organic adornments, now long gone. Size: 19.75" L x 10" W (50.2 cm x 25.4 cm); 20.125" H (51.1 cm) on included custom stand.
Such large Chancay figures are usually female. They characteristically possess a simplified body, small vestigial arms raised to the sides in a prayerful gesture and a flattened face with markings on their chin and brow and a decorative headband, as we see with this example. The purpose of such figures is unknown; however, as they have been frequently discovered in Chancay graves, some scholars argue that they may have represented a symbolic female companion to accompany the deceased into the afterworld. This said, a few male-female pairs have been found in gravesites, perhaps challenging this theory of female companionship.
A female Cuchimilco figure from the Barbier-Mueller collection of a very similar form sold at Sotheby's Paris, March 22-23, 2013 for 15,625 Euros (approximately $18,441).
Provenance: private S.H. collection, Santa Clara, California, USA; purchased from Contiki Gallery, Florida, USA
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#129194
- Condition: Expected surface wear and slight pigment loss and a few surface hairline fissures to slip commensurate with age. Old inventory label on underside of foot.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |