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Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chancay, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. A tall standing, hollow-molded, bichrome pottery female cuchimilco (or star-gazer). The figure has outstretched arms with bent elbows and stylized fingers. The broad, flat face is detailed with coffee-bean-shaped eyes, perforated ears perhaps intended to hold large disc-shaped earspools, and an upturned, triangular nose which juts out from between the eyes. The head is squared off with four perforations along the upper end for the former attachment of decorations, and a painted headband comprised of stylized geometric/zoomorphic motifs resembling those featured on Chancay textiles. The face is further embellished with a dramatic mask or tattoos over the eyes and additional tattoo marks extending from the mouth. Interestingly, a black shirt is painted over the chest. This is unusual, as most Cuchimilco figures are nude. A striking demonstration of the artistic prowess of the Chancay culture. Size: 21.5″ H (54.6 cm)
Such large Chancay figures are usually female. They characteristically possess a simplified body, small vestigial arms raised to the sides and a flattened face with markings on their chin and brow and a geometric headband. The purpose of such figures is unknown; however, as they have been frequently discovered in Chancay graves, some scholars argue that they may have represented a symbolic female companion to accompany the deceased into the afterworld. This said, a few male/female pairs have been found in gravesites, hence challenging this theory of female companionship.
The Chancay people were exceptional ceramic and textile artisans, and archaeologists have often found cuchimilcos in the tombs of Chancay nobility. Some scholars believe that their outstretched hands were intended to absorb negative energy. Chancay artisans created ceramics that are quite distinctive in form and decoration – finely painted and molded with specific decorative details carefully added by hand – as we see in this example.
Condition: Left arm and head reattached. Pressure fissure behind the right ear. Expected surface wear with areas of pigment loss, a few scuffs, and abrasions to feet, fingers, chest, abdomen, and other areas as shown. Nice manganese deposits covering surface. Possible repaired probe hole to chest.
Provenance: ex-private Palm Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired via family descent
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