Chancay Bi-chrome Star Gazer Holding Kero

Pre-Columbian, Chancay culture, Peru, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. Wow! A great example of a classic Chancay form, a star gazer holding a kero. The vessel is a bi-chrome earthenware egg-shaped effigy, with the figure's head depicted on the neck. It features bulging coffee-bean shaped eyes, a delightful upturned nose, large circular earspools, a chocolate brown mask/tattoos over the eyes, and a beard or tattoos adorning the mouth, chin, and jawline - all beneath a conical crown/headdress adorned by ridged vertical appliques just beneath the mouth of the vessel. The figure sits with upraised legs (applied to the lower section of the vessel) and holds a small offering kero (cup) in both hands extending from long applied, coil-made arms applied to the chest. The figure wears a "beaded" pectoral comprised of meticulously placed, raised circular appliques. A striking example of this type - skillfully hand built, modeled, and painted in a rich chocolate brown pigment on a creamy white ground. Size: 5.7" W x 10.6" H (14.5 cm x 26.9 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950-1960s

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#152634 Dimensions: Condition Report: Expertly repaired and restored. This is wonderfully done and almost indiscernible, and mainly around the spout. The details, pigment, and form are all very clear.