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THBPre-Columbian Chimu Gold Ritual Kero (Drinking Vessel)
About Seller
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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About Auction
LiveNov 10, 2022
Museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Viking, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Nautical, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine / Visual Arts, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
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- Lot Description
Pre-Columbian, North Coast of Peru, Chimu, Late Intermediate Period, ca. 1100 to 1470 CE. An elegant ritual kero (drinking cup) formed from a single sheet of 74.9% gold (equivalent to 17K+). The minimalist vessel exhibits a planar base, slightly flared walls rising to a flat, flanged rim, and a deep basin interior. The kero vessel is a ceremonial vessel that was an important component of rituals in several Andean cultures. Although gold was not favored as currency by the Chimu, it was certainly a material treasured for its robust symbolism. The Chimu believed that gold itself was imbued with the essence of the sun, its light, and its heat, and was thereby a fantastic conductor of spiritual energy. The surfaces of this kero are incredibly lustrous and, in the right light, appear as though they are channeling the solar divinity itself! Size: 2.4" W x 2.9" H (6.1 cm x 7.4 cm); gold quality: 74.9% (equivalent to 17K+); silver quality: 23.7%; weight: 41 grams
The kero form was also created by Chimu and Inca cultures as well as other peoples of the ancient world. However, the indigenous of Peru created these for more than just domestic purposes. The ornate ones were used during life and for the afterlife at funerary ceremonies that incorporated intricate religious libations and imbibing rites. To create this piece, the ancient metalsmith hammered a piece of gold into a very thin sheet, approximately the size of the finished work. Then, the artisan used fine-grained stone anvils and hammer stones made of hematite or green porphyry, sometimes with animal hide attached, and a wooden template was used to create the form as the metalsmith hammered the gold sheet upon the wooden template. The Spaniards did not understand the ritualistic function of keros and believed the cups might contain secret messages of rebellion within their ornamental designs. The Spaniards sadly destroyed large quantities of keros during sixteenth century in an attempt to quell dissent. Nevertheless, beautiful examples, such as this stunning vessel, survived the massive purges.
Cf. The Saint Louis Art Museum, object number 268:1978
Provenance: private San Diego, California, USA collection, acquired on February 18, 2021; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York; ex-private Maryland, USA collection, purchased from New York auction house between 1974 to 1975
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#172327Normal indentations to body and peripheries, otherwise intact and choice. Warm patina with red hue particularly on interior. Old inventory label on base.Condition
- Shipping Info
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Artemis Gallery will no longer be able to offer in-house shipping for most international orders, as well as all oversized orders, including most paintings. These items are clearly marked in the listing as “3rd Party Shipping Required” in the listing. We have a list of recommended third party shippers to assist you in shipping to and from, and would be happy to assist you in working with them. We require a written authorization from the client to release property to any third party. You may fax a Shipping Release Form to 303-828-3235 or email your authorization to kristen@artemisgallery.com. Please note the all property must be removed from our premises within seven (7) business days following the last day of the auction.
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