Pre-Columbian, north coast of Peru, Sican / Lambayeque culture, ca. 750 to 1370 CE. A stunning copper relief of the Sican god Naylamp adorned with a lustrous layer of gilding. Dressed in a long-sleeved tunic with a vertically striped hemline, the ancient deity presents a squat body supported by stubbed legs and an enormous head, featuring huge, almond-shaped eyes, a bulbous nose, and a frowning mouth flanked by a pair of prominent nasolabial folds. A sizeable, hemispherical headdress caps his crestfallen visage, as a chinstrap sits below it with a pair of curved ear adornments on either side. His arms spread out like wings, perhaps a reference to his magical powers, he carries a fish, symbolic of his involvement in marine life and fisherman, and a trophy head, emblematic of his omnipotent control of human life and the celestial world, in each hand. Size: 9.375" W x 6.875" H (23.8 cm x 17.5 cm); 10.25" H (26 cm) on included custom stand.

Naylamp (also Naymlap, Nanlap, or Nylamp), the traditional founder of the Lambayeque dynasty is believed to have come from the south by sea and colonized the region before he allegedly sprouted wings and flying off into the sunset in a dramatic display of his magical powers.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Peter Wray collection before 1980

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#160603

Fragment of larger piece. Repaired from several pieces with restoration over some break lines and other break lines visible. Some fissures with minor losses, all stabilized by stan. Otherwise, excellent with nice remaining details and lovely patina.