Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chavin, ca. 1200 to 500 BCE. A hefty mortar and pestle that are hand-carved from mottled grey-green stone with light and dark inclusions. The mortar body has a slightly rounded but stable base, tall walls, a shallow basin, and a thick rim. The conical pestle has a tapered handle and a smooth grinding face. Mortars and pestles like this set were used for grinding hallucinogenic substances in preparation for consumption; however, they were also used for more utilitarian tasks like pulverizing foodstuffs or grinding medicinal ingredients. Size of largest (mortar): 5" W x 3.7" H (12.7 cm x 9.4 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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#148485
Condition
Mortar has area of repair to rim and upper body, with resurfacing along break lines. Both mortar and pestle have light abrasions and nicks to walls and bodies; pestle is intact and very good. Light earthen deposits throughout. Old inventory label beneath mortar base.