Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Huari/Wari, ca. 700 to 1000 CE. A dramatic wood carving of an abstract female figure, standing with both hands to her chest, her mouth open wide as if she is speaking, chanting, singing, or perhaps screaming. Note that her facial expression is one of surprise, bewilderment, or perhaps anguish or pain. In addition, her face is painted in red cinnabar and her eyes present with black pupils/irises and white sclera. A wonderful, hand-carved and hand-painted wooden sculpture from this ancient Peruvian culture. Size: 2.75" L x 5.875" W x 23.875" H (7 cm x 14.9 cm x 60.6 cm); 24.25" H (61.6 cm) on included custom stand.
Huari visual culture is an understudied field; hence it is difficult to decipher the precise meaning or identity of this image. The subject may represent a living person of rank, an honorary portrayal of a deceased person used to accompany a mummy bundle, or an ancestor. Ancestor veneration would become a significant part of Inca religious practice and was most likely important to earlier cultures as well. The wide-eyed expression is similar to visages depicted on Huari ceramic vessels.
The Huari culture, centered on a capital to the south of Moche territory in the central highlands of Peru, rose as the Moche culture fell apart and before the Chimu asserted themselves on the north coast. They had extensive contact with other regions in the Andes, most notably the Tiahuanaco in present-day Bolivia, and the Nazca and the Pachacamac on the south and central coast of Peru. Hence there is no homogenous Huari style. Instead we see a wide range of visual expressions in their wood carvings and ceramics.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Art for Eternity, New York City, New York USA; ex-Walter Knox Gallery, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, 2004
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#163119
Condition
Age cracks to head and body as shown. Losses around cracks on lower section of torso (waistline to genitalia). Inactive insect holes. Nicks/chips to high pointed areas and peripheries. Expected surface wear with scuffs, abrasions, and some fading to pigmentation. Collection label on verso of leg.