Pre-Columbian, South Coast Peru, Nazca culture, ca. 100 BCE to 1000 CE. A rare and impressive double-sided drum, known as a tinya, boasting a cylindrical form and constructed from two branches bent into circles, tied with vegetal fiber rope to a wooden border, and wrapped in hide. Petite wooden spikes line the walls of the interior, allowing the hide to not sink inward, while the drum remains hollow. The cream-colored hide exterior of the ancient instrument is intricately painted with a series of abstract designs in vibrant hues of orange, marigold, blue, grey, and black. One batter head is adorned with a decorative motif of four spiked triangles facing inwards from its periphery. Alternatively, the other side is embellished with a spiral design. A band of rectangles divided at their midsections by zigzagged lines decorates the periphery of the ancient instrument, and a pair of drill holes tied with a leather strap, also on the periphery, allows the piece to be suspended easily from a belt. Used primarily by women, tinyas were typically wrapped in the hide of a camelid just as this example is. In some cases, however, the human skin of vanquished enemies would be used instead. Size: 9.75" in diameter x 6.5" H (24.8 cm x 16.5 cm)

The indigenous cultures of the Andes have incorporated rhythms and harmonies in ceremonial rituals, dances, theatrical events, and even warfare since the Pre-Columbian era. Instruments were often used by the Andean peoples to communicate with the ancestors, heal the sick, and bury the dead. Sculptural homages to musicians and dancers throughout Andean cultures as well as detailed accounts written by Spanish chroniclers of the 16th century provide ample evidence of the importance of music and instruments to the ancients of the Andes.

According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's article "Music in the Ancient Andes" by Helene Bernier, "Archaeological investigations suggest that Nazca musical instruments were important ritual objects used during group performances at the ceremonial center of Cahuachi. They were also likely played during processions along the great Nazca geoglyphs, which were suitable to be used as ritual pathways."

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

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

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#163117

Some tearing to one periphery with repair and light restoration to one drum head. Otherwise, excellent with impressive remaining pigments.