Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Chimu, ca. 1100 to 1470 CE. A hand-carved wooden post used on a litter. The slender rectangular body has a narrow tip, six insertion cavities, and an hourglass-shaped platform atop which stands a highly stylized jaguar finial. The jaguar is presented in a prone position with a quartet of powerful legs tucked beneath the stocky body, a rectangular head with perky ears and bulging eyes, and a thick tail curling atop the posterior, all adorned with applied red cinnabar. Lustrous coffee-hued patina envelops the entire carving and imbues it with an elegant presentation suggestive of royalty and prestige. Size: 1.375" W x 29.6" H (3.5 cm x 75.2 cm); 32.6" H (82.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, acquired between 1950 to 1960s

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#148052

Minor abrasions and nicks to tip, body, hourglass platform, and jaguar finial, with softening to some finer details, fading to original red cinnabar pigment, and light encrustations within some recessed areas, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits and great patina throughout. Old inventory label on versop of bottom tip.