Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Chavin culture, ca. 1000 to 500 BCE. A fabulous stone sculpture of an anthropomorph displaying 3 faces: one on his huge head, another flanked by his arms, and legs, and a third protruding from his back. Seated with legs drawn up before him, the figure's head presents target motif eyes, a broad nose, a straight mouth, and a round chin, all flanked by a pair of annular ears. A flattened cap with horizontal bands crowns his head, while a thick bracelet envelops his left wrist, and his right hand grasps a club. The second face peers out from between his legs, just above his genitalia, exhibiting a similarly minimalist face with circular eyes, a bulbous nose, and an incised mouth. Yet another visage can be seen on the back of the main figure, once again showing similar features, but this time with a heavy brow and gently parted lips. Size: 4.4" L x 2.8" W x 6.8" H (11.2 cm x 7.1 cm x 17.3 cm)
The Chavin people lived in the northern Highland Andes, and their capital, Chavin de Huantar, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The artwork of Chavin represents the first widespread artistic style in the Andes. 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 details.
Provenance: private Niwot, Colorado, USA collection, brought to the United States in the 1970's
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#173126
Condition
Chipping to top of head and expected nicks and abrasions to surface. Otherwise, intact and excellent with light earthen deposits and ample remaining details.