Chancay Pottery Figural Jar

Pre-Columbian era, Chancay culture, 1000-1470AD, Peru.

A remarkable, unpolished and hand-modelled ovoid form pottery vessel in the shape of a shaman holding a conical offering cup (kero), likely filled with a hallucinogenic substance, coil made arms in front of his chest. The stylized figure exhibit a voluminous globular body and a small head with wide eyes, arched eyebrows, perky ears and dilated pupils, indicative of drug-intoxication, as well as a pointed nose, pursed lips, and a protruding chin. The effigy is further embellished with a large medallion attached to the bands around the simple turban and a elaborate tunic adorn the surface with horizontal stripes and geometric motifs painted in a rich chocolate brown pigment on a creamy white ground, with a loop handle on the verso. The Chancay were a pre-Columbian archaeological civilization which developed between the valleys of Fortaleza, Pativilca, Supe, Huaura, Chancay, Chillón, Rimac and Lurin, on the central coast of Peru from c. 1000AD-1470AD. The Chancay culture is defined archaeologically by a distinctive and homogeneous ceramic style. These ceramics are known from extensive cemeteries in the Chancay region, where they were included in burials as grave goods. They are generally made of a peculiarly gritty clay that leaves an unpolished matte surface. Over this is painted a white slip, decorated with black or dark brown designs. 

Good condition. Areas of chipping to rim. Minor nicks and pitting, all commensurate with age. Encrustation and dust. Size approx. 14,4cm x 10,5cm x 12,5cm. 

Provenance: Finnish private collection