South America - Chimu Culture - Silver Kero Face Beaker > Lot No. 627

Description:
Circa 1300-1500 AD. A classic, very rare Chimu Culture (Northern Peru) silver Face Beaker or Kero, made by hammering a very thin sheet of silver over a wooden core and then adding detail by hand; depicting a hook-nosed male face with avian qualities, almond eyes, pronounced ears and mouth, collar and a stepped headdress, forming the rim; at the rear a representation of a hairpiece or cloak. A marvellous example of the art of silversmithing; the use of silver is usually associated with the moon.

Measurements:
125mm tall; 43 grams,

Condition:
Some distortion, minor perforations or small splits.

References:
Cf Museo Larco (ML 100746, etc); cf Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino (MCHAP 0298, etc).

Provenance:
Ex old English collection.

Comments notes:
This lot is accompanied by a Certificate issued by Oxford X-ray Fluorescence Ltd, indicating the composition of the metal.

Export licence:
No

Estimate: £1,000 - 1,200 (EUR 1,200 - 1,440; USD 1,580 - 1,900)

Auction date: Friday 19th March 2010 at The Swedenborg Hall 20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH

Sold for: £900