South America, Bolivia, Tiahuanaco (Tiwanaku), ca. 400 to 700 CE. A finely woven basket of a cylindrical form depicting zoomorphic imagery - large iguana-like figures - as well as stylized geometric motifs that were likely encoded with meaning, in acorn brown against a darker chocolate and sienna background. Baskets like this one were made from carefully dyed grasses, and are a rare reminder of the impressive artistic traditions of the Tiahuanaco civilization. Given its excellent condition, this basket was probably preserved for many centuries in a cave in Bolivia's arid climate Size: 4.625" in diameter x 6.25" H (11.7 cm x 15.9 cm)
The Tiahuanaco Culture flourished in the Bolivian Altiplano south of Lake Titicaca for more than a millennia. The capital city of Tiahuanaco was the primary cultural and spiritual center from about 300 BCE to 300 CE. In addition to their wonderful artifacts, Tiahuanaco civilization engineered massive stone structures and courtyards where political and religious rites took place.
David Bernstein Pre-Columbian Art has a Tiahuanaco basket listed for $3750.
Provenance: ex-private T. Misenhimer collection, Beverly Hills, California, USA, collected from 1970-2008; ex-Ron Messick Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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#150860
Condition
Minor losses to rim. Some expected darkening due to age. Collection label on base.