Pre-Columbian, Argentina, Catamarca region, Belen culture, ca. 1200 to 1476 CE. An enormous urn that is hand-built from pottery with a stable base, a sizable body with a tapered shoulder, a tall neck, and a flared rim. The orange-hued exterior is decorated with broad panels of checkerboard, linear, curvilinear, triangular, and chevron patterns in white and black pigment, and adorning the each half of the neck is a giant, abstract face with bulging eyes, a deeply furrowed brow, and a mouth full of fangs. Each head features raised arms that curve around the upper body and hold a petite kero out from the side walls. Size: 14.1" L x 14.1" W x 22.6" H (35.8 cm x 35.8 cm x 57.4 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired December 9, 2013; ex-private Abrahams Collection, famous art book publisher 1950 to 1970

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#179894

Professionally repaired with restoration, and resurfacing with overpainting along new material and break lines. Abrasions and chipping to surface pigment, with a few stable hairline fissures, expected pitting, and light earthen deposits, otherwise in great condition. Nice preservation to most painted decorations. Previous inventory label beneath base.