Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chavin, ca. 1200 to 500 BCE. An attractive mortar and pestle of a substantial size, hand-carved from mottled dark-green stone with beige and black inclusions. The mortar bowl is defined by a flat base, lightly-flared walls with a thick rim, and a deep basin, and the pestle pounder has an elongated conical form with a smooth handle and pounding face. Large mortars like this example were used for grinding copious amounts of hallucinogenic substances in preparation for consumption; however, they were also used for more utilitarian tasks as well like pulverizing foodstuffs or grinding medicinal ingredients. Size (mortar): 7.4" W x 4.875" H (18.8 cm x 12.4 cm); size (pestle): 4.7" L (11.9 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
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#146288
Condition
Professional repair to two large sections of mortar rim with light resurfacing and very light adhesive residue along the near-invisible break lines. Minor nicks and abrasions to pestle as well as mortar rim, walls, and base, with light encrustations within some pitting holes. Light earthen deposits throughout. Old inventory label beneath base of mortar.