Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Chavin culture, ca. 900 to 500 BCE. An incredibly rare carved anthracite box held together with cotton cords and inlaid with greenstone discs. The panels are all bored through with perforations along the peripheries, the cotton loops are knotted tightly together, and a pair of handles extend from the top. The panels are flush and tightly sealed on all sides, there is no opening unless the cords are cut. All sides are highly polished to a nearly reflective sheen, and five walls are etched with a geometric diamond pattern, greenstone discs inlaid at the center of each. What did this exquisite box contain? The unusual lacing implies it was never intended for utilitarian or everyday use, suggesting this functioned as a funerary container that was sealed once the contents was placed inside. Anthracite is an interesting material, a hard coal that is highly reflective when polished, suitable as mirrors which were highly prized, as they believed mirrors held powers of divination. Size: 5" L x 3" W x 2.6" H (12.7 cm x 7.6 cm x 6.6 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#173348

x-Ray images show that there is nothing contained inside. Remains of glue adhesive on verso. Stable cracks and fissures throughout. Nicks and chips have light mineral deposits in recessed areas. A few losses to greenstone inlays. Staining and discoloration to cords and slight odor. Overall good condition.