Chancay Couple Peru - SOLD
Circa 900-1400 AD
Height Male 17.2" Female 16”
The Chancay figures here are made of unglazed terracotta, created somewhere between 900 and 1400 AD. The culture, which developed in the latter part of the Inca Empire is located in present day Peru. These guardian figures were important in Chancay culture. This pair is exceptional as they contain all their original clothing etc. The figures are similar but have different painted decoration to indicate gender differences in dress. The exact function of these figures is unknown, but it is thought that they may have acted as guardians to the tombs of the Chancay people, or as companions in the afterlife. This pair is exceptional and comes complete with a extensive provenance dating to 1971.
Provenance: Patricia Catlett, Albuquerque with extensive paperwork.
Purchased in 1971 from Leon Buki, Kramer Arte Primitivo, Buenos Aires 1971