This stunning carved bone container exudes a
dynamic energy and spirit that belies its small
size. Used for storing powdered lime, the
Indians dabbed the lime, which adhered to the
bone wand of the container onto coca leaves, the
lime bringing out mild narcotic effect of the
coca. When chewed by the native highlanders,
the coca leaves slowed their metabolic rate which
helped to temper the rigors of living at the over-
12,000 foot high altitudes of the Andes
mountains. Functional works of art such as this
gave evidence to the incredible creativity and
craftsmanship that formed an integral part of
Pre-Columbian Peru. Here the craftsman has
artfully captured a masked figure in arrested
motion--kneeling on his left knee, the right leg
bent, the figure raises a Llama onto his back and
is now about to stand. His mask evidences a
mystical power through its fierce, wide-eyed
expression. A skilled and sensitive sculpting of
the parrot's beak and body perched atop the
headdress ads a spirited energy that at once
enhances the power of the mask. The figure
grasps his Llama by the legs with deftly carved
hands, the animal’s carved hooves adding an
element of design balance and proportion. The
native dress is deftly carved on the figure to
reveal exquisite geometric patterning. As the
Llama's expressive face looks out onto the world,
so we look at this wondrous work of art,
appreciating and feeling the duality of harmony
and dynamism that is both seen and sensed in
this Ancient Peruvian masterpiece.
- (PF.2284)
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