Carved from bone, this exquisite vessel exudes a
dynamic power and energy that belies its small
size. Used for storing powdered lime, the Indians
dabbed the lime, which adhered to the bone
wand onto coca leaves, the lime bringing out the
mild narcotic effect of the coca. When chewed
by the native highlanders, the coca leaves
slowed their metabolic rate, which helped to
temper rigors of living at the over-12, 000 foot
high altitudes of the Andes Mountains.
Functional works of art such as this give evidence
to the incredible creativity and craftsmanship
that formed an integral part of Pre-Columbian
Peru. Here the artist has masterfully carved a
crouching masked figure that evinces a spiritual
power and strength through his wide-eyed and
snarling mask, the power enhanced by a sticking
an inlaid shell headdress. The artistic use of
colored shell also highlights these strong
attributes. The figure carries a monkey on his
back (monkeys were imported form the eastern
Montana as pets), by means of a serpent strap
draped over his shoulder and wrapped around
the monkey's waist. Once again, the artist's
mastery of the medium and his acute awareness
of the natural world around him can be seen in
the finely stylized portrayal of the monkey's
body, with hatched lines representing its fur and
an elegantly curled tail reminiscent of a coastal
seashell. A keen sense of balance of overall
form, design and proportion makes this sculpted
work of art a joy to behold, its mystical power
and energy crossing both time and space.
- (PF.2285)
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