Pre-Columbian, South Coast Peru, Nazca, ca. 300 to 500 CE. Five feather mosaic head ornaments - each one displaying remarkably intricate patterns and brilliant coloring. Orange, yellow, blue, brown, and white feathers were skillfully arranged to create stepped and geometric motifs. These would have adorned an elite Nazca warrior or leader. The ancients of the Andes held their parrots in high esteem, thought to be incarnations of sky deities for their ability to fly well above the tree line, but also prized for their brilliant plumage. The ensemble is set in a custom frame. Size: tallest ornament measures 4" H (10.2 cm); framed arrangement measures 19.125" W x 12.125" H (48.6 cm x 30.8 cm)
According to scholar Christine Dixon, "The brilliant feathers of South American birds, especially from parrots such as the Scarlet Macaw, were desired by most ancient Peruvian cultures. Their use for costumes and decorations, sometimes far from the birds' habitats, points to the trade and exchange of feathers between the lowlands and forests and the highlands and coasts of Peru. According to detailed studies of the types of birds used, the objects were typically made from the feathers of birds found in the tropical zones at lower altitudes [of the Andes] in eastern Peru and the Amazon Basin. Of the 1800 native species, most were chosen for their colourful plumage or avian characteristics: the eagle was associated with power and strength, for instance. Birds frequented the sky and therefore represented the upper world or the heavens. Yellow plumage may have been so coveted because it stood for the sun, light, gold and the gods. (Source: Christine Dixon, "Lost Worlds of Peru: Nazca Culture," National Gallery of Australia)
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Silvana collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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#143328
Condition
Some losses to ornaments as shown, but forms are still quite impressive with brilliant coloring and patterns. Nice custom frame.