Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Sican / Lambayeque or Chimu culture, ca. 700 to 1450 CE. A stunning and sizable example of a silver cup known as an aquillas (or kero when made of wood), used for ceremonial purposes that incorporated intricate religious libations and imbibing rites - a ruler or important priest would have used such a beaker. This piece is shaped from a thin sheet of 97% to 98% silver and embossed around the flared rim with spiral /wave motifs that was made by hammering over a mold. Silver was associated with the moon, nighttime, and the watery underworld that was analogous to the depths of the ocean. The main Chimu deity was Pacasmayo, the moon god, and the name Sican means "temple of the Moon." It must be noted that the moon was held in higher regard than the sun for these cultures! Size: 4" Diameter x 7" H (10.2 cm x 17.8 cm); silver quality: 97% to 98%; weight: 97.1 grams

The Chimu Empire and Sican culture existed together until the Chimu conquest of the Lambayeque region. Most of what we know about Sican comes from a large area called the Batan Grande Archaeological Complex, a huge ceremonial and cemetery site for a little-understood ancient civilization. Building pyramids that rise over 40 m high and thousands of tombs, the Sican occupied this region for a lengthy period. Fabulous finds - often containing gold and silver objects - mark out the graves of the ancient elite. These tombs were filled with human sacrifices, mantles made of shell and feathers, lapis lazuli, cinnabar, scepters, arrows, effigy jars, and vessels like this superb piece!

Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010

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#179858

Repaired with infill to several tiny tears and pin hole perforations. Overall excellent. Stunning surface that has been professionally cleaned with areas of dark patina and toning.