Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chimu, ca. 900 to 1470 CE. This is a statue made of grey, porous basalt that depicts a human face atop a columnar, squared off body. There are traces of red pigment that is probably original, especially on the back. The face is triangular shaped, with a heavy brow line, small eyes, and an open mouth, similar to other Chimu statues made of both stone and wood. The Chimu lived in the narrow strip of mostly desert land between the Pacific and the rise of the high Andes along the north coast of Peru and worshipped the moon as the highest deity (unlike their neighbors, the Inca, who worshipped the sun). Their stone idols have been found throughout their territory. Size: 19" H x 9-1/2" W x 5" L (48 cm x 24 cm x 13 cm); with stand: 20" H x 12" W x 6" L (51 cm x 30-1/2 cm x 15 cm).

Provenance: Ex-Olan Collection, Pacific Palisades, CA, acquired before 1984.

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#110503

Age-related wear, with remains of original paint; chip at bottom corner, however features of face remain visible.