Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Sican culture, ca. 800 to 1000 CE. An enormous conical beaker with a wide, gradually-flaring body soldered to a concave foot, all formed from high-grade (96%) silver. The hammered sheets were shaped around a mold, their ends soldered together, and then the components joined permanently around the corseted base. Scholars posit vessels like this example were used in ceremonial or ritual manners, though their use in funerary contexts seems to be the most prevalent style of utilization. Size: 7.5" Diameter x 6" H (19 cm x 15.2 cm).
Silver working is a two thousand year old tradition in Peru. To the ancients of Peru, precious metals indicated special status. Both silver and gold were symbols of power and prestige worn exclusively by the elite. They signified high social status and respected political authority during life as well as after death when placed as votive offerings in tombs with the honored deceased. Silver was used to create numerous types of objects, ranging from personal ornaments to effigy vessels shaped in the likenesses of human figures, animals, and birds as well as utilitarian or funerary vessels like this example.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Gary Drimmer collection, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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#144361
Condition
Slight bending to overall form, with minor abrasions to body and base, a couple of small and stable hairline fissures, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits and great patina throughout.