Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chimu culture, ca. 1100 to 1470 CE. A fantastic set of three Chimu artifacts; a figural vessel, a double-chamber vessel, and a pair of tupu pins. Presenting in a pale hue of grey, the first vessel presents a voluminous body and a tubular neck that flares out to a circular rim, and all sits upon a flat, annular base. The neck of the ancient pot features a naturalistic visage with a pair of huge, heavy-lidded eyes, a pointed nose, and a straight mouth, flanked by lengthy ears, while the top of the rim acts a type of flared headdress. The second vessel boasts a lustrous burnish over a black surface and has a ribbon-like bridge and a lower cylindrical tunnel connecting its two chambers. One of the chambers is decorated with two registers of zoomorphic creatures in relief on one side and a head wearing a double-pointed hat at its top, while the other exhibits a tubular spout and a sun motif relief on its side. Both display a stippled tondo on their other sides. Size of largest: 5.5" in diameter x 8.25" H (14 cm x 21 cm)
Used to secure textile tunics, the two copper tupu pins showcase long, slender bodies and decorative heads with one displaying a double-coiled head and the other with a square atop a circle.
Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid 1980s
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#160778
Condition
Chip to rim of grey vessel. Black vessel has been repaired from several pieces with restoration over break lines. Both vessels have expected surface wear with a some abrasions and nicks/chips throughout, all commensurate with age. Pins also have expected surface wear. Otherwise, all very nice with rich patina on pins and lovely earthen deposits in recessed areas of vessels.