Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Chancay, ca. 1100 to 1400 CE. A doll made from bundled reeds, the limbs wrapped in threads and the body covered in miniature woven garments made of cotton and camelid wool from alpaca or llama. The head is tapestry woven with stylized facial details and the coiffure is made from twisted and coiled human hair! The head and body are stuffed with dried straw and gauze. Scholars believe that such dolls were created to represent mortals rather than supernatural deities or spirits and such figures dressed in textiles are often found in tombs, their purpose is unclear, but it is probable they represented family members or servants to accompany the deceased to the afterlife. Size: 10" L x 5" W (25.4 cm x 12.7 cm); 9.5" H (24.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Orlando, Florida, USA collection; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000

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#174506

Tears and losses to fibers on face as shown. Unraveling and fraying to threads on limbs and textile dress. Losses to black hair threads on verso. Active flaking to straw when handled. The doll is in generally very good condition for its age.