**Originally Listed At $500**

Pre-Columbian, North Central Peru, Inca, ca. 1470 to 1523 CE. Hand-carved from wood of warm caramel brown hues, two petite ritual vessels known as a canopas. The camelid forms each present with a characteristically rotund ovoid body with a petite tail, delineated feet, smooth contours, and a deep interior cavity bored into the back. The raised heads present expressive countenances with perky ears, a broad snout, and an incised 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 of each (both are relatively similar): 1.3" W x 2.7" H (3.3 cm x 6.9 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950 to 1960s

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.

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#160648

Both pieces have nicks and abrasions to bodies and heads, with softening to facial features, otherwise intact and very good. Rich brown patina throughout.