Chimu Stone Figural Finial w/ Inlays

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chimu, Late Intermediate Period, ca. 1000 to 1476 CE. An intriguing anthropomorphic figurine hand-carved from stone with an inlaid turquoise colored stone on the top. The person squats on an integral pedestal with one arm across the knees and the other arm reaching up to the mouth. The rounded head displays a pair of protruding ears and a hooked nose. The wide eyes consist of inlaid white stones, and at the top of the head is embellished with vibrant turquoise. White stones are also inlaid along the pedestal and perhaps the circular cavities along the arms once held stones as well. In addition, the back also likely contained stones at one point. A rectangular black stone and white stone are set on the backside near the bottom. The base has a small hole conically drilled, perhaps for attaching this figure to a rod. A fascinating piece that may have served as finial on a staff and perhaps portrays a ruler or figure of power sitting on a throne. Size: .625" W x 1.375" H (1.6 cm x 3.5 cm)

Provenance: private Southern California collection, USA, bestowed 2006; ex-J. Malter collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired before 2006

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#161115
Condition Report: Loss to arm and losses to inlaid stones. Cavities are missing stones. Mineral deposits scattered across surface.