Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Central Peru, Inca, ca. 1470 to 1523 CE. A hefty ritual vessel known as a canopa, hand-carved from deep black stone and polished until smooth. The llama has a rotund ovoid body with a lightly rounded base, a rounded tail, and a deep interior cavity bored into the back. The raised head exhibits a wavy dewlap, perky ears, low bangs that cover the eyes, and a broad snout with a narrow mouth. Canopas typically depict alpacas, llamas, or other camelids and are often buried in the animals' corrals to protect the herds as well as promote fertility and virility. The cavity on the back would have been filled with offerings like coca leaves, maize, or animal fat in order to appease the gods. Size: 4.6" L x 2.375" W x 3.6" H (11.7 cm x 6 cm x 9.1 cm)

Provenance: ex-Arte Primitivo Gallery, New York, New York, USA; ex-John A. Moir, Jr. Trust of 2013

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#152873

  • Condition: Minor nicks and abrasions to base, body, neck, and head, with chip to left ear and right ear missing, and nicks to interior rim. Light earthen deposits and smooth surface texture throughout. Old inventory label beneath base.

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February 27, 2020 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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