Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chimu, ca. 1100 to 1470 CE. A fascinating funerary mask made of hammered copper, created to be affixed to a mummy bundle. The face has a fascinating shape, with a broad, v-shaped ridge forming a nose and gently incised eyes. The mask has an affixed, dangling copper nose ring. Copper discs also dangle from the eyes. The shape of the face gives it an owl-like appearance. This mask was made to adorn the body of a deceased elite member of the Chimu society - gold was for lords, silver for noble women, and copper for wealthy commoners. Chimu elites were patrons of workshops that made fine metal objects like this one, and they took their wealth with them when they died. Buried in mounds, they would be entombed in high style. Size: 7" W x 6.25" H (17.8 cm x 15.9 cm); 8.05" H (20.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private lifetime collection of Dr. Saul Tuttman and Dr. Gregory Siskind, New York, New York, USA

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#137521

Losses from the edges as shown in the photographs, notably on the lower part of the mask. Small losses to the nose dangler also. Slght bending to form. Light encrustation and mottled patina on surface. Form is clear.