Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca
Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca

Inca Black Stone Canopa (Conopa) in the Form of an Alpaca

17381

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Inca Empire, Peru Ca. A.D. 1470 to 1532

A solidly carved black stone votive container (canopa or conopa) in the form of a recumbent alpaca. The animal is rendered with characteristic Inca stylization—a compact, rounded body with squared ears and a long shaggy mane falling in stepped, layered relief down the length of the neck, giving the piece a strong sculptural presence. The face is naturalistically modeled with a protruding muzzle and incised features. A circular cavity hollowed into the back served as the ritual receptacle.

Canopas are among the most distinctive ritual objects of the Inca Empire. Carved from hard stone such as basalt or granite using only hand tools—a labor-intensive process given the absence of metal cutting implements—these votive vessels were filled with a mixture of llama fat, blood, and herbs and buried in fields or pastures at the start of the planting season to ensure the fertility of herds and the success of the harvest. The tradition continues in modified form among modern Andean highland communities, where similar objects known as illa are still used in pastoral fertility rituals. Camelids—llamas and alpacas—were central to Inca economy and cosmology, serving as beasts of burden, sources of wool and meat, and essential sacrificial animals in state and community ceremonies.

Size: 3 inches H. x 4-3/4 inches L. (7.6 x 12 cm)

Condition: Minor chips and small losses, particularly around the muzzle and ears, consistent with age and burial. Surface displays an attractive dark patina with scattered light scratches and mineral accretions from long interment.

Provenance: Ex Queens, New York collection.

All pieces are unconditionally guaranteed authentic and as described in perpetuity and have been legally acquired and imported in full accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations regarding the movement and sale of antiquities.

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