A Sican Lambayeque Mask...

Description

A Sican Lambayeque Mask
Peru, c. 750-1350 AD

Hammered silver alloy sheet with remains of red-brown pigment (cinnabar). Embossed on the face are the large ovoid eyes terminating in a point, the eyebrows follow the contour of the eyes. The life-like nose in high relief, embossed, not separately attached. A band of raised pellets descends from the eyes to the chin (said to represent tears). A wide and a narrow band at the top are both embossed with a step design enclosing a pyramid. At the bottom is a band embossed with addorsed creatures that have a mammal-like body and tail, and an oversized bird head with open beak and curling tongue. To the sides are large pointed ears with large lobe ornaments cut in a radiant sun pattern. Directly under the raised nose hangs a pointed bar ornament with two large half oval dangles suspended from loops. Eight similar dangles are attached to the upper ears. In very good condition, appropriate for its age, origin, and mediums. As to be expected, there is surface erosion and discoloration, minor creases, and one small hole under chin.

Note: Recent excavations in the area have shown that such masks were part of the burial regalia of high-status women as well as men. According to ancient myths from the north coast of Peru, silver was associated with noble women. Silver masks such as this are most likely from the burials of important female leaders or priestesses. As many as five masks would be interred with the deceased, one attached to the head of the textile-wrapped mummy, and the other four stacked at the feet.

Provenance:
M. J. Vaupel collection, Miami, FL
G Garcia, Miami, FL, acquired 1960s
A Private Collection, Florida, before 1960
Collection Razeto, acquired 1950s

Width: 12 ¾ inches



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