Cuchimilco, Figure Chancay Peru With Tl Test

Pre-Columbian Peru, northern coast, Chancay, circa 800-1200 AD. Cuchimilco (or Star-gazer), a large, elongated, two-tone ceramic statuette, molded in relief. It depicts a woman with delicate features, small nipples, raised arms, bent elbows, and open hands with stylized fingers. Her broad, flat face is adorned with coffee-bean-shaped eyes, a small, pointed nose, and a slightly open mouth suggesting a gentle smile. Wearing a rectangular headdress, her head is decorated with a painted band composed of complex stylized geometric patterns, chocolate brown on a white background. The eyes are outlined, and there are tattoos on the cheeks, legs that were likely reattached, repainted hands, and retouched eyes.
provenance :private french collection ,hotel des ventes de belfort june 2010
These large Chancay figurines generally represent women. They are characterized by a simplified body, small vestigial arms raised at the sides, and a flattened face adorned with markings on the chin and eyebrows, as well as a geometric headband. The function of these figurines remains unknown; however, their frequent presence in Chancay graves has led some researchers to suggest that they may represent a symbolic companion accompanying the deceased into the afterlife. Nevertheless, the discovery of a few male/female pairs in burials calls this theory into question.