Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Sican / Lambayeque or Chimu culture, ca. 750 to 1370 CE. A luxurious drinking vessel made from high quality 96.7% to 97.3% silver, the surface is chased and embossed with zoomorphic characters with plume like tongues that may represent a "life force" / a crescent moon. To create this piece, the ancient metalsmith hammered a thin silver sheet upon a fine-grained stone anvils and hammer stones - sometimes with animal hide attached to prevent scratching, and a wooden template was used to create the form and its repousse ornamentation. Scholars posit how vessels like this example were used in ceremonial or ritual manners, though their use in funerary contexts seems to be the most prevalent style of utilization. Size: 3.5" Diameter x 5.75" H (8.9 cm x 14.6 cm); silver quality: 96.7% to 97.3%; weight: 57.4 grams

Silver was associated with the moon, nighttime, and the watery underworld that was analogous to the depths of the ocean. The main Chimu deity was Pacasmayo, the moon god, and the name Sican means "temple of the Moon." It must be noted that the moon was held in higher regard than the sun for these cultures!

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010

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#179913

Professionally repaired, foot reattached with adhesive and 2 tiny perforations to body on embossed area is infilled with adhesive. Minor surface indentations and dark patina.