Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chimu, ca. 1100 to 1450 CE. Skillfully carved from spondylus shell of vibrant orange and cream hues, a figural pendant depicting an important standing male figure who holds a kero in his hands before his chest as if about to take a drink or make a libation offering. He wears a tumi-shaped headdress and large round earspools. Both the earspools and his wide open eyes are inlaid with a black shell. An intriguing amulet from ancient Peru, perforated through the headdress, making it perfectly ready to suspend from a cord or chain. Size: 2.3" H (5.8 cm)
Spondylus shells, also known as spiny or thorny oysters for obvious reasons, have been revered by Andean peoples since the Pre-Columbian era. In addition to being featured in their artwork and used as currency, Spondylus pieces served as sacred offerings to Pachamama, the earth/time mother, a version of Mother Nature. The Spondylus shell carries numerous symbolic meanings. A symbol of fertility and elite social status, it was also believed to be an omen of rain, warning the indigenous of El Nino. In fact, the Spondylus shell only appears when the water becomes warmer during December - the time of the El Nino current - immediately before the rainy season.
Provenance: private Toronto, Ontario, Canada collection; ex Ancient Resource Auction, 2012; ex Joel Malter collection
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#153207
Condition
Intact. Minor surface wear with slight scuffs/nicks. Deposits grace the surface.