Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Chancay, ca. 1000 to 1200 CE. A delightful pottery effigy figure of a rotund llama, standing on 4 nubbin legs. The hollow, egg-shaped body is slip-painted with dark brown on a cream surface with linear and stippled dots, and the head has dark stipes, circular eyes, and parted lips. The rounded, perked ears and pointed tail indicate a camelid such as a llama, an alpaca, or a vicuna. The open mouth not only acts as a vent hole during firing, but also gives a startled expression to the llama. This excessively fat animal perhaps symbolizes abundance and fertility, or even an animal that is ready to be sacrificed for meat! Fortunately for llamas, they were much more valuable alive as they provided wool for weaving and were reliable pack animals that could provide body heat to shepherds at high altitudes. This llama could be an effigy that would accompany the deceased into the afterlife; a well-nourished creature that could provide companionship and warmth. Size: 11.5" L x 6" W x 7" H (29.2 cm x 15.2 cm x 17.8 cm)
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950 to 1960s
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#168195
Condition
Intact and very good! Some minor fading to pigments. Excellent condition and great details.