Pre-Columbian, North/Central Peru, Chimu, ca. 1100 to 1400 CE. A high-grade silver (96%) kero or drinking vessel comprised of silver sheet, hammer-molded to form a drinking cup depicting a stylized human head with bold repousse features defining the face and a ridged headdress. The face presents with concentric ovoid eyes, a projecting aquiline nose, well-defined cheeks with a strong jaw line, and petite ears, all beneath a grand headdress resolving in the vessel's flared rim, and above a substantial neck/base. A magnificent effigy kero. Silver Quality (97%); Size: 2.875" in diameter x 5.75" H (7.3 cm x 14.6 cm); weight: 83.6 grams
The kero form was also created by Chimu as well as Huari, Inca and other peoples of the ancient Americas. 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, using a wooden template to create the form and its repousse ornamentation, as the metalsmith hammered the silver sheet upon the wooden template.
Provenance: private California, USA Collection
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#145715
Condition
Expected indentations commensurate with age, but intact. The silver has developed a lovely patina. Old collection labels still attached to the base.