Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Chavin culture, ca. 900 to 200 BCE. A superb early stone mirror, carved from black anthracite stone into a flattened rectangular shape with a flared handle and a perforation for suspension. The surface is like glass, silky smooth and lustrous -the process to polish a stone to such a high level of reflectivity so that it retains its mirror qualities after nearly 2000 years is utterly remarkable! Mirrors were prized by the ancients of the Americas and believed to serve as portals to the celestial realm, treasured for their divinatory, healing, as well as decorative properties. Size: 6.25" L x 3.25" W (15.9 cm x 8.3 cm); 8" H (20.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Superior, Colorado, USA collection; ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#180046

Repairs to small areas of verso with light adhesive residue along break lines. Chips and losses to handle corners as shown. Stable striations and hair line fissures throughout. Red cinnabar remains in recessed areas and drilled suspension hole. Stunning reflectivity and highly polished surface!