South America, Bolivia, Tiahuanaco (Tiwanaku), ca. 400 to 700 CE. A fine and tightly woven basket of a conical form depicting stylized geometric motifs that were likely encoded with meaning, in shades of red, black and deep brown against a tan base. Baskets like this one were made from carefully dyed grasses, and are a rare reminder of the impressive artistic traditions of the Tiahuanaco civilization. Given its excellent condition, this basket was probably preserved for many centuries in a cave in Bolivia's arid climate.

The Tiahuanaco Culture flourished in the Bolivian Altiplano south of Lake Titicaca for more than a millennia. The capital city of Tiahuanaco was the primary cultural and spiritual center from about 300 BCE to 300 CE. In addition to their wonderful artifacts, Tiahuanaco civilization engineered massive stone structures and courtyards where political and religious rites took place.

Provenance: private Superior, Colorado, USA collection acquired at Santa Fe Ethnographic Show around 2009.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#175690

Section of rim with rodent damage else quite excellent with very vibrant colors.