Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Incan Empire, ca. 1200 to 1532 CE. A small, smooth vessel, hand-carved from a mottled brown and cream-colored stone, with a hollowed-out area in the center of the back. Small stone figures like this one, called "canopas," are the most common ritual effigies known from the Inca. Typically depicting llamas, alpacas, or other camelids, these canopas are often buried in the animals' corrals to protect the herds and increase their fertility. This particular container depicts a llama with a flat base, a raised head with perky ears, and drooping neck folds. The cavity on its back would have been filled with offerings like coca leaves, maize, or animal fat in order to appease the gods. Size: 3.85" W x 2.8" H (9.8 cm x 7.1 cm)

Provenance: private Palm Beach, Florida, USA collection from an old Florida estate collected before 2000

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#146660

Small chips from rim and abrasions and chips on body as if the piece has been used extensively. Otherwise in excellent condition.