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USA Domestic: 12/14 for Standard; 12/23 for Express; International: 12/7 for Standard; 12/19 for ExpressPre-Columbian, south coast of Peru, Nazca, ca. 220 BCE to 125 CE. A deep-walled, round-bottomed polychrome bowl, its exterior finely decorated with a mythical serpentine creature tasting a large trophy head with its long tongue - all painted in hues of red, orange, white, chocolate brown, and white. The trophy head's eyes look upward, perhaps rolling backward and dramatically capturing its demise. The Serpentine Creature presents a characteristically feline mask, and its long spikey body is filled with droplets of red blood - adding to the drama of the iconography. Size: 6.125" W x 3.75" H (15.6 cm x 9.5 cm)
Mummified trophy heads date to the pre-ceramic period in ancient Peru. Perhaps the most extensive practice of headhunting occurred along the south coast of Peru in the Nazca and Inca valleys where the early Paracas and succeeding Nazca cultures resided. Head-taking was a significant component of their warfare and religious mythology. A warrior could increase his might and status by capturing prisoners for head-taking.
Provenance: ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950-1960s
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#150504
Condition
Expected surface wear with scuffs and scratches commensurate with age. There are some stabilized cracks but these are difficult to discern.