Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Chancay, ca. 800 to 1450 CE. A fine mummy bundle false head made from tightly woven cotton sack and camelid fibers (alpaca or llama, with hammered and cut sheets made from a copper -silver alloy sewn to the cloth as the visage. This head may have been part of a doll or mummy bundle, providing a face or identity for the deceased. Chancay mummies were wrapped in a seated position with yards and yards of cloth, in order to create a bundle, called a "fardo" and the bundle was then given a false head that was stuffed with fibers and sometimes offerings- the nose retains unspun wool. This piece is modern on red canvas and ready to display. Size of mask: 20.75" L x 17.5" W (52.7 cm x 44.4 cm); canvas: 24" L x 20" W (61 cm x 50.8 cm); silver quality: 38%

Burials discovered all along the arid coast of Peru indicate that the deceased were accompanied by offerings of ceramics, garments, featherwork, precious metals and wood. A mask or false head was ritualistically placed over the mummy bundle to give a face to the deceased. Due to the dry climate artifacts made of textile have been remarkably preserved!

Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010

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#179856

Tearing and losses to copper with some holes and creases. Discoloration and staining to textiles, but overall great condition. Cloth is mounted on modern canvas,.