Delightful ancient Pre-Columbian Nazca vessel in the form of a trophy head! Ca. 100 to 300 A.D., small polychrome cup or seed jar painted in shades of red, dark brown and tan with human face of a vanquished foe. Vessels of this type are easily discerned as representing trophy heads (and not all vessels showing faces are depicting trophy heads) when they show the mouth sewn shut - as is clearly the case with this fine example! 3"D x 2-1/4"H, intact/near-choice with small probe hole "nick" in b... Click for details
Often associated with the Tihuanaco culture of southern Peru/Bolivia, but still a very fine example! Ca. 1300 to 1500 A.D., shallow wooden tray with central depression sitting at the edge is a single bird, shell inlay in one eye, the other now missing. Trays like this were used by the Inca shamans to inhale drugs via the accompanying long inhaler tube to induce a hallucinogenic state. Tray measures 7-1/4"L x 3-1/16"W, inhaler/dipper measures 8-1/16"L x 5/8"W at spoon. ... Click for details
Very sweet matching pair of ancient Pre-Columbian polychrome pottery bowls from the Nazca culture of southern Peru, ca 100 to 300 A.D. Each bowl is decorated in reddish brown, dark brown and tan with each showing what is probably a cactus paddle of a specific type of cactus that produced a mind expanding drug (which probably means these were used for holding this hallucinogenic drug). Each bowl measures 3-3/8"W x 1-1/2"H, and both are intact and choice. ... Click for details
We have handled several sewing baskets over the years, but never have we handled (nor seen) one with a textile cover! From the ancient Chimu culture of northern Peru, ca 1000 to 1300 A.D., medium-sized sewing basket in woven reeds with original gauze textile cover. Interior filled with sewing implements of all kinds, including spindles, whorls, small ink pots, various threads and textile fragments. Basket measures 14"L x 7-1/2"W x 2-5/8"H, in generally excellent condition. ... Click for details
One of the more interesting ancient Inca Wooden Keros we've seen in many years! Ca. 1300 to 1500 AD, from central Peru. Carved on all sides with combination of two human faces, eyes inlaid with shell, and two "Inca" crosses, these also with shell inlays, lower region with geometric patterns. 3-5/8"H x 2-5/8"D (at rim), intact and choice. ... Click for details
Just slightly larger than a miniature - and unusual as such. Ancient Pre-Columbian Nazca Polychrome cup, from Southern Peru, ca. 200 - 400 AD. In the form of a Trophy Head wearing cross-hatched textile cap, intense eyes and scarified face. 2-3/4"H x 3-1/4"D, intact and near-choice with only the slightest loses in pigment and stabilized pressure crack at rear, as shown. ... Click for details
A fine Chimu griton or "screamer" vessel from Peru, ca. 1100 - 1450 AD. This rare example is 6" long and depicts a muca with its head raised towards the sky in an eternal scream. The body is molded in high relief and the designs on its back combine wave and field elements, which show that this vessel was used in water worship rituals. Intact, with strong mineral deposits.
An adorable Vicus double-chambered vessel from Peru, ca. 200 BC – 200 AD. This fine redware example is 9-1/2” long, 5-1/2” high and is decorated with a mythical monkey deity modeled atop the front chamber. An unusual example, with strong mineral deposits.
A fine Moche trumpet from Peru, ca. 400 – 700 AD. This rare instrument is 8” high and depicts a seated warrior holding a shield and battle club in one hand and a ceremonial object in the other. He is ornately attired and has a nicely detailed coif flowing down his back. Stands on its own.
See Disselhoff "Daily Life in Ancient Peru", pages 104 for similar example from the British Museum in London.
Ca 1200 to 1400 AD, from the north coast of Peru. Silver tweezer serves as central pendant with spondylus shell beads. Interestingly, to the necklace have been added some lovely antique trade beads, but these are ca. 18th to 19th century. About 20"L not including 3/4"L tweezer and three trade beads. Recently restrung and ready to wear.
