Rare Huari Polychrome Carved / Painted Wood Shield

Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Huari (Wari) culture, ca. 1000 CE. An extremely rare example of a hand-carved wooden shield that is composed of two halves that were at one time cinched together with braided fibers. The circular shield has four drilled binding holes on either interior periphery, smooth exterior peripheries, and an obverse decorated with repeating chevron motifs, inversely corresponding stepped motifs, and a central circle that is divided into four equal sections, all in hues of black, red, yellow, and white. This shield has been preserved by the arid climate of ancient Peru and was perhaps in an enclosed area based on the vibrancy of the remaining pigment. Custom lucite display box included. Size: 9.5" Diameter (24.1 cm)

Provenance: ex-private T. Misenhimer collection, Beverly Hills, California, USA, collected from 1970-2008

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#150905 Dimensions: Condition Report: Original fiber bindings missing. Minor nicks and abrasions to front faces, peripheries, and versos of both halves, with light fading to original pigment, otherwise intact and excellent. Great patina and wonderful traces of original pigment throughout.