Pre-Columbian, North/Central Peru, Chimu, ca. 1100 to 1400 CE. A high-grade silver (97%) kero or drinking vessel fragment comprised of silver sheet, hammer-molded to form a drinking cup depicting a stylized human head with bold repousse features defining the face and headband. The face presents with concentric ovoid eyes, a projecting aquiline nose, well-defined cheeks with a strong jaw line, and a petite mouth, all beneath a faded headband and a flared rim with a flat lip. The bottom portion of the vessel, though missing, shows how the lower body would have expanded outwards towards the base. Custom wooden display stand included. Size: 2.75" W x 4.25" H (7 cm x 10.8 cm); 5.7" H (14.5 cm) on included custom stand; quality of silver: 97%; total weight: 125.2 grams.

The kero form was also created by Huari and Inca cultures as well as other peoples of the ancient world. However, the indigenous of Peru created these for more than domestic purposes. Rather, they were used during life and after life at funerary ceremonies that incorporated intricate religious libations and imbibing rites. To create this piece, the ancient metalsmith hammered a piece of silver into a very thin sheet, approximately the size of the finished work. Then, the artisan used fine-grained stone anvils and hammer stones made of hematite or green porphyry, sometimes with animal hide attached, and a wooden template was used to create the form and its repousse ornamentation, as the metalsmith hammered the silver sheet upon the wooden template.

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#140680

A fragment of a larger drinking vessel. Loss to lower body with jagged edges around break line. Minor nicks to rim, body, and base, with a couple of stable hairline fissures, and fading to some repousse details. Light earthen deposits and nice patina throughout.