Chancay Wooden Anthropomorphic Figure

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

Exceptional and one-of-a-kind hand-carved wooden anthropomorphic figure combines finely incised and low relief features. Figure stands atop short, bulky legs displaying wide hips and a long trunk, with flat stomach and carved navel, as he bends his arms at the elbows and places his hands on his chest, showing delineated fingers in low relief. A large square head with expressive visage with incised round eyes and dilated pupils, indicative of drug-intoxication, a triangular nose above a open oval mouth and strong chin. Light traces of red-orange and white pigmentation and lustrous brown patina envelops the entire figure.

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. 

Excellent condition. Expected chips, nicks, abrasions, and softening of incised detail, all commensurate with age. Rich dark patina. Size approx. 24,1cm x 8,1cm x 2,3cm.

Provenance: Former collection of the archaeologist Ferdinand Anton, Germany, combined between 1950 and 1965. Ferdinand Anton was born in 1929 in Munich, Germany. He made a living by writing richly illustrated books about the art objects and religious rituals of Pre-Columbian cultures: the Aztecs, the Maya, and Andean peoples of South America. He was an explorer who flew to South America and Mexico, and hiked to remote shrines where few Westerners had set foot. He wrote more than forty books.

For a similar example see:

Double-sided Wooden Figure Carving, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 64.228.744 (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/309269)