Pre-Columbian, South America, Argentina or Chile, Mapuche culture, ca. 1200 to 1700 CE. A hand-carved stone ceremonial scepter known as a clava that was suspended from the wrist of a shaman via a knotted string when used. Each end of the triangular clava features an abstract anthropomorphic face with flat cheeks and a protruding nose, and beneath each is a pair of incised arms that conjoin in front of each chest. The broad sides present the rounded shoulders and gently tapered biceps of each figure, and the bottom tapers to form a narrow handle with a slender perforation near the tip. Smooth patina has formed across the clava. Size: 6.9" W x 8.1" H (17.5 cm x 20.6 cm); 8.375" H (21.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Ian Arundel collection, California, USA; ex-The Old Curiosity Cabinet, Los Angeles, California, USA, collected between 1950 and 1970

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#157072

Areas of in-fill material atop scepter head, with resurfacing and overpainting along new material. Minor abrasions, nicks, and pitting to handle, scepter head, and lateral faces, with softening to some facial details. Great surface smoothness throughout.