|
HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Art of Peru : Tiahuanaco Stone Idol
|
 |
|
|
|
Tiahuanaco Stone Idol - PF.5101
Origin: Tiahuanaco, Peru
Circa: 200
BC
to 1250
AD
Dimensions:
5.75" (14.6cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Stone
$7,500.00
Location: United States
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
One of the most mysterious of all Pre-Columbian
settlements, the monumental structures of
Tiahuanaco was built as a place of pilgrimage. In
its early period Tiahuanaco was the religious
center of the empire, run by an elite class of
priests backed by military force. Art served as an
expression of religious fervor; whether in the
form of great monoliths or small statues the
cuboid style is essentially the same. This
fascinating statue represents a deity, possibly
the sun god whom the people of Tiahuanaco
worshiped. The face is rectangular, cut at an
angle with an open mouth and large flat nose.
The penetrating eyes are horizontal rectangles
with oblong centers simulating pupils. Clever
incising in a meander pattern on either side of
the shoulders gives the impression of arms,
while the pattern on the chest area, and narrower
lower portion, adds dimension and depth. As
with the other ancient cultures, the Tiahuanaco
civilization came to an abrupt end. Some
scholars believe they set sail across the Pacific
and settled on Easter Island, whose great statues
uncannily resemble this very powerful statue.
- (PF.5101)
|
| |
|
