Peruvian Pre-Columbian Ceramics

Rare Pre-Columbian Terracotta Pottery For Sale – Mochica, Chimu and Chancay Cultures

Pre-Columbian Terracotta Anthropomorphic Vessel

Rare Peruvian Pre-Columbian Terracotta Anthropomorphic Vessel – Chancay Culture (c.900 – 1400AD)

A fabulous Peruvian Chancay Terracotta Cup with a bulbous body in the form of a seated male figure with his arms raised and hands covering his protruding ears. This thumb-pot vessel is very nicely proportioned, with a good handle, and well-defined majestic features including an unusual spout-like ornament to the hat.

The condition is generally very good. The handle, face, arms and hands are intact with no restoration, repairs, chips or cracks. There is some chipping to the lip of the cup and the feet, and there is a barely visible fine crack that extends from the lip at the back to just below the belly pattern on the right hand side (far left image). Most of the original black decoration remains in place to the front and right side, but has largely vanished from the back (10x8cm/4x3.25 inches).

Offers are Invited

(We would greatly appreciate some price guidance from collectors)

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Pre-Columbian Pottery Owl

Rare Peruvian Pre-Columbian Pottery Owl - Chimu Culture c.1100 to 1460 AD

The Chimu culture was established on the north coast of Peru between 1100 and 1460 AD. They were known to worship the moon and it is therefore likely that this lovely little ceramic sculpture represents an owl (or perhaps a cat). Chimu ceramics served two functions: containers for daily domestic use and those made for ceremonial offerings at burials, such as this owl. The shiny black finish of most Chimu pottery was achieved by firing at high temperatures in a closed kiln which prevented oxygen from reacting with the clay. This charming pre-Columbian antiquity is in excellent condition, with no repairs, chips or cracks. There are symmetrical pin-holes in each arm to facilitate hanging or wearing (10x7cm/4x2.7 inches).

Offers are Invited

(We would greatly appreciate some price guidance from collectors)

Pre-Columbian Chancay Terracotta Female Standing Figure

Rare Peruvian Pre-Columbian Chancay Terracotta Female Standing Figure (c.900 – 1400AD)

This is a magnificent antique museum-quality Pre-Columbian Chancay Cuchimilco terracotta female figure from Peru. Unglazed white-slipped earthenware figures with black-lined decoration such as this are typical of the Chancay, particularly with the wide flattened head and hat. This female figure has very nicely modelled features, and original painted decoration. The face is particularly well-defined, as are the necklace, breasts, genitals, and fingers and toes. The six pinholes around the top edge of the headdress may have originally held feathers. It is in excellent condition, no repairs or cracks; with the nice patina of old age (19x13cm/7.5 x5 inches). Similar figures sell in USA galleries for over $3,000.

Peru’s Chancay culture settled fifty miles north of Lima in the Chancay Valley between 900 and 1400 A.D. The Chancay people were exquisite ceramic and textile artisans. Cuchimilco (guardian) figures like this represent family members, and archaeologists have often found them in the tombs of the nobility, as their outstretched hands were thought to absorb negative energy.

Offers are Invited

(We would greatly appreciate some price guidance from collectors)