Pre-Columbian, South Coast Peru, Nazca, ca. 100 to 300 CE. A wonderful hand-carved wooden atl atl (also atlatl, atl-atl) or spear thrower of a rod-shaped form with an ivory finial at one end and a copper hook at the other, each held in place by fiber wrappings. Zoomorphic in form, the ivory finial resembles the projecting head of a bird with a pointed beak, an incised mouth, and inlaid shell eyes. This example of an atl atl exhibits a distinctive Peruvian style, a short rod with an attached hook, and a curved decorative projection at the handle. Atl atls were used in warfare, hunting, and ritual ceremonies. Size: 11.8" L x 2.8" W (30 cm x 7.1 cm); 11.5" H (29.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Cf. Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology, 46-77-30/6855.

Provenance: private Charlotte collection, North Carolina, USA; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York City, New York, USA, inventory number 1660-3; ex-private United States collection; ex-private Israeli collection, acquired prior to 1960

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#176668

Stable fissures to ivory with 2 professionally reattached chips to the top of the neck and jaw. Some abrasions throughout, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with rich patina.