Pre-Columbian, northern highlands of Peru, Recuay culture, ca. 200 to 600 CE. A fascinating and rare mirror case, made from cast copper. The back of the piece would have once had a polished face of jet or obsidian. The handle is a janiform human head with simple features, large ears, and a round cap or headband. Below him, on the decorated back of the case, is a relief scene composed of curved, fine lines: a maze of jaguars and serpents with visible teeth and eyes, but highly abstract in form. Similar examples known from ancient Peru suggest that it may have once had inlays of gold, shell, or colorful minerals. Size: 2.8" W x 2.8" H (7.1 cm x 7.1 cm); 4.3" H (10.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Around 200 to 300 CE, the Recuay developed a highly sophisticated metallurgical tradition, creating weapons, items for personal adornment, and objects like this mirror. The artwork on the piece repeats religious/mythological themes common to the Recuay and indeed the other Andean people of their time, suggesting cultural contact and shaping of ideas. The jaguar and serpent motifs represent two of the most powerful creatures in the ancient Andean bestiary, admired by people for their wildness, fierceness, and power.

See a similar, less ornate example at the Metropolitan Museum of Art: https://metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/318521

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex Muira Hiroshi collection, Japan

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#131900

Extensive encrustations in interior, including a resin that was probably used for holding on the face. Nice dark green copper patina.