Inca Pottery Vessel of a Female with Spondylus Shell
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Description
Pre-Columbian, Peru, Inca, ca. 1500 CE. A sizeable blackware vessel depicting a standing figure with an excited countenance comprised of bright open almond-shaped eyes, a triangular nose, and a toothy grin framed by nasolabial folds. The figure holds a spondylus shell as in offering in both hands, and wears an elaborate headdress. In addition to being featured in ancient Peruvian artwork and used as currency, Spondylus shells served as sacred offerings to Pachamama, the earth/time mother, a version of Mother Nature. Size: 4.875" W x 8.625" H (12.4 cm x 21.9 cm); 9.2" H (23.4 cm) on included custom stand.
The Spondylus shell carried numerous symbolic meanings. A symbol of fertility and elite social status, it was also believed to be an omen of rain, warning the indigenous of El Nino. In fact, the Spondylus shell only appears when the water becomes warmer during December - the time of the El Nino current - immediately before the rainy season.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-private T. Misenhimer collection, Beverly Hills, California, USA, collected from 1970 to 2008
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#161460
The Spondylus shell carried numerous symbolic meanings. A symbol of fertility and elite social status, it was also believed to be an omen of rain, warning the indigenous of El Nino. In fact, the Spondylus shell only appears when the water becomes warmer during December - the time of the El Nino current - immediately before the rainy season.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-private T. Misenhimer collection, Beverly Hills, California, USA, collected from 1970 to 2008
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#161460
Condition
Minor nicks to rim, face, shell, and feet, with light abrasions and fading to exterior pigmentation, otherwise intact and very good. Great preservation to figural details.
Buyer's Premium
- 24.5%
Inca Pottery Vessel of a Female with Spondylus Shell
Estimate $1,600 - $2,400
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Item located in Louisville, CO, usOffers In-House Shipping
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