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LOT 0641

Pre-Columbian Chancay Mummy Mask with Wig

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12th-15th century AD. A carved balsa wood mask with cinnabar pigment, hair attached to a rope headdress, incised lines delineating lozenge-shaped eyes and small mouth, raised wedge-shaped nose; with custom-made stand. 1.9 kg total, 40cm including stand (15 3/4"). Property of a Brussels gallery; acquired from Mr E.W., Geneva, Switzerland; formerly acquired by his father before 1970. Andean cultures existed in close proximity to some of the world's most arid deserts, where natural mummification would sometimes occur, a process which was reflected in burial practices. Many cultures in the region prepared the body to last for centuries after death and buried their dead with grave goods, including textiles. It was usual practice to bury the deceased in an upright fetal position, (head on knees), wrapped within layers of textile. Since these 'bundles' had no clear head to act as the focal point for veneration, masks with heavily stylised human faces were placed and tied on top of the wrapped body. Many of these masks were painted with cinnabar pigment, as red was a colour associated with purification and commemorative rituals in the region.
Condition Report: Fine condition.

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Time, Location
02 Jun 2020
UK, London
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12th-15th century AD. A carved balsa wood mask with cinnabar pigment, hair attached to a rope headdress, incised lines delineating lozenge-shaped eyes and small mouth, raised wedge-shaped nose; with custom-made stand. 1.9 kg total, 40cm including stand (15 3/4"). Property of a Brussels gallery; acquired from Mr E.W., Geneva, Switzerland; formerly acquired by his father before 1970. Andean cultures existed in close proximity to some of the world's most arid deserts, where natural mummification would sometimes occur, a process which was reflected in burial practices. Many cultures in the region prepared the body to last for centuries after death and buried their dead with grave goods, including textiles. It was usual practice to bury the deceased in an upright fetal position, (head on knees), wrapped within layers of textile. Since these 'bundles' had no clear head to act as the focal point for veneration, masks with heavily stylised human faces were placed and tied on top of the wrapped body. Many of these masks were painted with cinnabar pigment, as red was a colour associated with purification and commemorative rituals in the region.
Condition Report: Fine condition.

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Time, Location
02 Jun 2020
UK, London
Auction House
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