Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Chancay, ca. 1000 to 1425 CE. A large funerary mask carved from wood, painted with red cinnabar pigments, and wrapped with a lovely hand-woven textile headband made of camelid wool from alpaca or llama. The panel has an angular chin and jawline with a protruding nose carved in the center. Diamond shaped eyes in white and black are painted to either side, and a shallow notch forms the petite mouth below - giving a friendly expression to this death mask. Chancay wood carvings are best known for their simple forms and red pigment that was associated with purification. Masks, like the one, were oftentimes placed upon the mummies of important individuals as a mark of their elite status as a deity or ancestor - an identity bestowed upon these important individuals after death. Extensive layers of textiles were wrapped around the body, intricate patterns - like the one on the headband, were lavish decorations and offerings for the deceased. Size: 9.5" W x 11.5" H (24.1 cm x 29.2 cm); 23.5" H (59.7 cm) on included custom stand.

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Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010

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#177486

Chips to peripheries, abrasions and stable pressure fissures. Losses to nose and top edge of head. Fraying and fading to textile, but great preservation to the weaving and motifs.