Pre-Columbian Chimu Terracotta Anthropomorphic Vessel

Fusiform in profile with flared rim, lateral strap handles, applied facial details. 155 grams, 12.3 cm



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.

Red ware, hollow-formed and modelled in the round, seated figure with horn to the brow and pierced ears, incised decoration to the midriff, pouring spout to rear of head. 1.9 kg, 36.5 cm



with Bonhams, London, 24 May 2016, lot 21. Property of a Gloucestershire, UK, gentleman.

Holding a throwing stone in one hand and facing an unseen danger to his left as was tradition. This seated figure can be identified as a tomb guardian with the horn on his head marking him as a shaman or with magical powers. His purpose was to serve and protect the deceased in the afterlife. The Colima culture produced the greatest variety of sculpture across ancient West Mexico.

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.