{"product_id":"chancay-pottery-cuchimilco-figure","title":"Chancay Pottery Cuchimilco Figure","description":" Central Coast, Peru, ca. 1000–1470 AD\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHollow standing female figure of cream-slipped pottery painted in dark brown, the arms raised to either side with notched fingers. Tall flaring headdress painted with two bands of scrolls. Applied nose, pierced ears and open mouth, the lower face painted dark as a mask, the eyes ringed. Small applied breasts and incised vulva. Two broad painted bands cross the chest and wrap the hips. Long legs with incised toes. Figures of this type, called cuchimilcos, were placed in Chancay burials; their exact role is debated. Slip worn in places, with earthen staining on the legs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFigures such as this served as guardians for the afterlife, placed inside burial bundles or arranged surrounding the mummified deceased within burial chambers. The characteristic stance of short, outstretched arms with open palms facing forward, is widely interpreted as an apotropaic gesture intended to ward off malevolent spiritual forces and protect the deceased during their transition into the afterlife.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSize: 17 inches (43.2 cm) H. x 12 inches (30.5 cm) W. x 4 inches (10.2 cm) D.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eex Dr. Henry Cherrick Collection. ","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67683084992826,"sku":"18091","price":2450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/100896.jpg?v=1791834375","url":"https:\/\/howardnowes.com\/products\/chancay-pottery-cuchimilco-figure","provider":"Art for Eternity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}