Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chavin, ca. 900 to 500 BCE. A beautifully-preserved mace head carved from dense stone with a slightly rough texture. The circular base has a central socketing hole which tapers upwards to a surface covered with checkered raised nubbins. Significantly, the Chavin culture does not seem to have been warlike, and their cultural expansion across the landscape was not violent - at least as far as archaeologists can find - until the very end of the period, when maces like this suddenly become evident. Was this an actual weapon used in war? Or was this a status symbol made to be put into a grave? Many mysteries about this early culture remain. Size: 3.25" W x 4" H (8.3 cm x 10.2 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA

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#149736

A few tiny losses from peripheries, but overall in excellent condition, with rich deposits.