**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Southern Peru / Bolivia, Tiahuanaco (Tiwanaku), ca. 6th to 11th century CE. An incredibly well-preserved pair of hand-woven vessels made from dyed cane / totora plant fibers. The kero cup has stepped, curvilinear motifs created by coiling the cane then looping the fibers around - the number of stitches per coil creates a very tight weave - perhaps the vessel was once waterproof! The totora reeds that these are made from, are found along the shores of Lake Titicaca, and are famous for their use in man-made floating isles and boats built by indigenous people. The arid climate and funerary practices contribute to the remarkable condition both pieces, and fiber vessels are much rarer to find than their ceramic counterparts! Size of cup: 4.35" L x 3.125" Diameter (11 cm x 7.9 cm)

Provenance: ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA; ex-private West Virginia collection, acquired in the late 1960s - early 1970s, thence to present owner by descent

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#176727

Losses to stitches on cup and fraying to bowl. Weaving is still tight and stable. Overall excellent for age and material preservation.