Chavin Antiquities For Sale (900 - 200 BC)

The Chavín were an early civilization that existed in present-day Peru. After the Norte Chico civilization, the Chavíns laid the cultural foundation for the other Peruvian civilizations to come. The most well-known archaeological ruin of the Chavín era is Chavín de Huantar, located in the Andean highlands north of Lima. It is believed to have been built around 900 B.C. The Chavín established a trade network and developed agriculture by 850 B.C. The Chavín culture represents the first widespread, recognizable artistic style in the Andes. Stylistically, Chavín art forms make extensive use of the technique of contour rivalry. The art is intentionally difficult to interpret and understand, since it was intended only to be read by high priests of the Chavín cult who could understand the intricately complex and sacred designs, and thus their power. They used hallucinogens. Small mortars, possibly used to grind vilca (a hallucinogenic snuff), have been uncovered, along with bone tubes and spoons decorated with wild animals which we associate with shamanistic transformations. The Chavín cult promoted fertility and abundant harvests. The deities were represented in stone carvings as features of humans and wild animals such as jaguars, hawks, eagles, and snakes. Its role in politics was extremely significant. The Chavín may have sacrificed animals and such to please the gods for abundance in harvest. They also were very good hunters.



Chavin 'Cupisnique' Wrinkled Face God Vessel 010669

Chavin 'Cupisnique' Wrinkled Face God Vessel
Pottery, 25 cm x 16.25 cm [10 x 6.5 inches]. Trophy head presentation from the rich Cupisnique mythology. The wrinkle face God was an enigmatic figure shown in many different facets of the clerical beliefs. It can be a devilishly presence with fighting feline Gods or surrounded by snakes. The blackness of the vessel tries somewhat to mimic their stone figures, by blending a strong facial structure with an incised surface. Short lines running in opposite direction of the wrinkles, contrasting not only in direction but in size. Rectangular imperforated ears with a thin incised border. The choking face has small oval eyes with protruding nose and sucked cheeks, closing with tied lips over a steep chin. Ref: Chavin and the origins of civilization, Richard L. Burger, Chapter 3. Very Fine condition.

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Chavin 'Cupisnique' Wrinkled Face God Vessel 010669


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