Pre-Columbian, Central Coast of Peru, Chancay culture, ca. 1000-1200 CE. Exceptional Cuchimilco Stargazer Cantador/Singer - one of the finest we have ever seen! In the valleys north of Lima, the Chancay artisans created ceramics that are quite distinctive in form and decoration. Hollow-body figures painted in dark brown-black on white, these pieces were typically more slapdash in appearance than the ceramics of their predecessors and contemporaries. However, this standing female is an exception - boldly painted in that characteristic Chancay fashion - however infinitely more finely painted and molded with specific anatomic and decorative details carefully added by hand. Low fired with cream slip and chocolate brown painted details resembling tattoos - representations of fish and birds on arms plus wonderful facial artwork. The function of such sculptures is still unknown. Some scholars believe that they were placed in tombs as companions or guardians of the deceased. This example was probably intended for a person of high rank given the impeccable technique used by the artist to depict a figure of such a grand scale with unusually intricate decoration. 14"H x 9"W

Provenance: Ex-Private Midwest Collection, Ex- Bill and Elaine Jarrett Collection, Aspen, CO

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Intact and choice condition!