Pre-Columbian, Argentina or Chile, Mapuche culture, ca. 1200 to 1700 CE. A hand-carved ceremonial scepter known as a clava made of hefty tan-hued stone. The profile is similar to a highly abstract head of a macaw or parrot. The thick handle extends downwards until expanding gently to form a knob-form pommel. The upper tip forms the bird's beak; incised with a linear, arrow-like motif, and the center bears a pair of low relief circular eyes. The surface is highly polished to achieve a pleasing smoothness. Mapuche shamans held scepters like this example by their handles to demonstrate their power and status. Size: 11.625" L x 5" W (29.5 cm x 12.7 cm); 9.875" H (25.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, 1995 to 2010; ex-private Moraga collection, Los Angeles, California, USA

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#170962

Losses to lower portion of handle on one side, areas of 1 eye, and tip of beak on one side of head. Minor abrasions and stable hairline fissures, with softening to some finer incised details, and light encrustations within some recessed areas. Nice surface smoothness.