Pre-Columbian, northern Peru, Chavin, ca. 1100 to 600 BCE. A heavy hand carved volcanic stone mortar of elegant form with a thick circular base and broad walls that slant slightly outward. Naturally adorned in gorgeous hues of mottled taupe, russet, cream, umber, and black, the ancient vessel boasts a lustrous polished exterior and a silky smooth surface. Mortars like this example were used for grinding hallucinogenic substances in preparation for consumption; however, they were also used for more utilitarian tasks as well like pulverizing foodstuffs or grinding medicinal ingredients. An excellent artifact from ancient Chavin culture! Size: 5.75" diameter x 3.25" H (14.6 cm x 8.3 cm)
The Chavin lived in the northern Highland Andes, and their capital, Chavin de Huantar, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the center of Chavin de Huantar is a massive, flat-topped pyramid, surrounded by lower platforms. Between 1200 and 500 BCE the pyramid space was used for religious ceremonies. The Old Temple, constructed very early in the history of the site, consists of a series of passageways built around a circular courtyard; within were carved stone monuments showing jaguars, serpents, and other figures with transformative and/or anthropomorphic figures.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950s to 1960s
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#159499
Condition
Small white collection label on base. Very light surface wear on interior, base, and rim including minor nicks/chips and abrasions. Encrustations/ staining on interior commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, generally excellent.