Pre-Columbian Chimu Terracotta Anthropomorphic Vessel

Drum-shaped in plan with bulb to the mouth; strap handle with sitting monkey to the outer edge; second similar handle to the other side; each flat face with painted check pattern and central cross with meander ornament; mounted on a custom-made wooden stand. 4.5 kg total, 40 cm including stand



Acquired in the 1970s. Ex Nicolas Cuppy, UK. Acquired in the 1980s. Property of a Cambridgeshire gentleman.

Large carved hardstone model of a crouching figure with elbows resting on the knees and hands supporting the chin; the head modelled as a skull with exposed teeth, drilled eye-sockets and triangular nasal cavity; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 6 kg total, 34.3 cm high including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

The population of the Taino people of the Dominican Republic and surrounding Caribbean islands may have been as high as 2 million by the 15th century. The Zemi, a spiritual figure forms a major part of their existing legacy and examples exist in many sizes including depictions in wood and stone.

Ellipsoid plaque with deeply incised vertical and horizontal grooves, mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.10 kg total, 25.2 cm high including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

This work, abstract in appearance with deep grooves cutting across what appears to be a face is most aligned with the arts of ancient Guerrero or specifically the Mezcala. In the late pre classic an array of stone carved figures and masks were produced often with minimal adornment and a clear preference for simple lines and forms.