Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chancay culture, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. A lovely pair of pottery figures, both from the Chancay culture. The first is a large "star gazer" or cuchimilco female figure, with an oversized head standing upon delineated legs, nude, with female genitalia and pinched breasts. The arms are raised upward with palms open toward the sky. The hollow form figure is decorated with black on white pigments that create the stylized facial details. The small terracotta figure is of an even more stylized form with nubbin legs, incised lines perhaps indicating female genitalia, pinched breasts, and nubbin arms raised to the side. The face consists of coffee bean shaped eyes, a large nose with impressed nostrils, and narrow lips. The arm pits and ears are pierced with vent holes, and suspension holes are pierced through the headdress tips. Traces of black pigment across the head and chest reveal this woman was also painted at one time. Scholars posit these figures may have been placed near the deceased as protectors in the afterlife. smaller figure: 2.75" W x 3.5" H (7 cm x 8.9 cm) Size: 8.5" W x 10.75" H (21.6 cm x 27.3 cm)

Provenance: ex-Drimmer collection, Florida, USA, before 1965

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#165194

Star gazer: Top of headdress is repaired with small piece reattached and visible break line. Loss to nose and fingertips on both hands. Surface abrasions and flaking to pigments. Old inventory number written on foot. Female figure: surface abrasions and nicks to high pointed areas, other wise intact. Traces of black pigments on head and torso. Old inventory label on base.