Pre-Columbian, north coast of Peru, Chavin culture, ca. 900 to 200 BCE. A superb and sizable stone basin, presumably used for the ritualistic preparation of hallucinogenic drugs, hand-carved from a soft blue-grey stone, with gently sloping sides and a rounded base. The smooth surface of the bowl has a pleasingly cool, almost silky feeling. Light earthen deposits in the naturally recessed areas of the stone decorate the surface with lovely accents of tan and cream hues. Size: 15.625" W x 2.625" H (39.7 cm x 6.7 cm); 17.875" H (45.4 cm) on included custom stand.

The Chavin lived in the northern Highland Andes, and their capital, Chavin de Huantar, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the center of Chavin de Huantar is a massive, flat-topped pyramid, surrounded by lower platforms. Between 1200 and 500 BCE the pyramid space was used for religious ceremonies. The Old Temple, constructed very early in the history of the site, consists of a series of passageways built around a circular courtyard; within were carved stone monuments showing jaguars, serpents, and other figures with transformative and/or anthropomorphic figures. At the very center is a towering stone stela depicting an anthropomorphic figure with a jaguar head, a human body, and eyebrows and hair made of snakes. This is Lanzon, the chief deity of Chavin. Researchers believe that worshippers ingested hallucinogenic drugs, prepared using basins like this one, and then were led in the dark through the labyrinthine passageways before entering the central courtyard and coming abruptly face-to-face with the snarling features of the god.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, acquired 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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#163116

Collection label on base. Expected nicks/chips and abrasions, commensurate with age and use. Faint circular scratch on front and another on verso, likely from use. Otherwise, intact and excellent with light earthen deposits throughout.