Pre-Columbian, Peru, Inca Empire, ca. 1470 to 1532 CE. A unique rock crystal figure of a llama with a deep, round cavity on its back and incised detail for the face and mouth. The animal also has dewlaps and a tail that lies flat against its haunches. Small stone figures of llamas, called conopas, are the most common ritual effigies known from this culture, often buried in the animals' corrals to protect the herds and make them fertile. The cavity on its back would have been filled with some type of offering, like coca leaves, maize, or animal fat. Rock crystal is a rare material for Inca artisans, but was not unknown in the ancient Andes - in fact, some researchers have argued that the Chavin and Moche skill with carving rock crystal into lens-shaped items may indicate some knowledge of optics. Size: 1.9" W x 1.25" H (4.8 cm x 3.2 cm); 3.45" H (8.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-B. Huber collection, New York, USA

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#132624

Small crushed area on tip of tail; light surface scratching and wear commensurate with age.