Pre-Columbian, northern Peru, Chavin, ca. 900 to 500 BCE. An impressive miniature footed jar, hand-carved from a translucent red stone to present a deep bowl supported by 4 legs in the form of trophy heads. Crowned by a lipped rim, the bowl is adorned with a triangular pattern, while each square visage displays closed eyes, a broad nose, and full, slightly-parted lips. Head-taking was a significant component of ancient Peruvian warfare and religious mythology. A warrior could increase his might and status by capturing prisoners for head-taking. A vessel of such a miniscule form is not intended for normal dining, but likely held hallucinogenic substances to consume during rituals. Size: 0.9" Diameter x 1.1" H (2.3 cm x 2.8 cm)

The Chavin people lived in the northern Highland Andes, and their capital, Chavin de Huantar, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The artwork of Chavin represents the first widespread style in the Andes. The center of Chavin de Huantar is a massive, flat-topped pyramid, surrounded by lower platforms. Between 1200 and 500 BCE the pyramid space was used for religious ceremonies. The Old Temple, constructed very early in the history of the site, consists of a series of passageways built around a circular courtyard; within were carved stone monuments showing jaguars, serpents, and other figures with transformative and/or anthropomorphic features. At the very center is a towering stone stela depicting an anthropomorphic figure with a jaguar head and a human body, believed to be Lanzon, the chief deity of Chavin. Researchers believe that worshippers ingested hallucinogenic drugs and then were led in the dark through the labyrinthine passageways before entering the central courtyard and coming abruptly face-to-face with the snarling features of the god.

Provenance: ex-Pepe Schaefer collection, La Quinta, California, USA, gifted in 1984 by Bosta Seminarao , Santa Rosa, California, USA, imported into the US 1955 or earlier

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#178267

Some expected surface wear with nicks and abrasions as shown, but otherwise intact and excellent with nice remaining detail.