Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chavin, ca. 900 to 400 BCE. An intriguing miniature cast-copper figure standing atop delineated legs with wide hips, a portly abdomen, bent arms held against a slender chest, and a squat neck. Cupped ears, a triangular nose, angular cheeks, a rounded chin, and full lips comprise the majority of the visage, with flecks of pyrite inlaid within each eye socket. A simple cap rests atop the head, and a vertically-oriented suspension hole is biconically-drilled through the verso. Covered in thick green patina, this is a lovely example from the ancient Chavin! Size: 0.425" W x 1.325" H (1.1 cm x 3.4 cm). The Chavin people lived in the northern Highland Andes, and their capital, Chavin de Huantar, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The artwork of Chavin represents the first widespread style in the Andes. The center of Chavin de Huantar is a massive, flat-topped pyramid, surrounded by lower platforms. Between 1200 and 500 BCE the pyramid space was used for religious ceremonies. The Old Temple, constructed very early in the history of the site, consists of a series of passageways built around a circular courtyard; within were carved stone monuments showing jaguars, serpents, and other figures with transformative and/or anthropomorphic figures like this example. Provenance: private Los Angeles County, California, USA collection; ex-private Los Angeles, California, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #134884