Inca Silver Figure

Hans Koella, Switzerland (1925-2012)

Sotheby's, November 18, 2000, lot 224, consigned by the above

American Private Collection, acquired at the above auction

Thence by descent to the present owner

Matthew Robb, The Ancient Americas, The Walters Art Museum Magazine, September 22,  2002, p. 5 (illus.)

The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, 2001-2011 (on loan)

Male and female votive figures were made in silver and gold as part of the capac hucha ceremony marking royal or ceremonial events. Usually made by carefully joining fine hammered sheets, this figure holds his hands in the characteristic reverential posture against his chest, a small coca quid bulges from his left cheek and loops define his long distended earlobes, The striated turban, llautu encases his head. Such figurines were often clothed in beautifully woven miniature cloaks secured by tupus or cord.

For a discussion of votive figures, see Allison Caplan in Joanne Pillsbury, Timothy Potts, Kim N. Richter, eds., Golden Kingdoms, Luxury Arts in the Ancient Americas, Los Angeles, 2017, p. 174. caption to cat. no. 75.