An excellent group of basalt stone sculptures from Tiwanaku. Each wonderfully decorated
with intricatecarvings. Possibly votive objects. Altiplano Region, Tiwanaku. Ca.
600 A.D.
The puma (chachapuma) which is believed to have supernatural powers stands on all
fours. Mouth exposes it’s canines teeth. Ears are back with squared eyes. Tail is
forward yet shows twisting. Incised marking displays birds and other motifs. Measures:
4.25”/10.79 cm L, 3”/7.62 H, 1.75”/4.44 cm D. PEWI-134CA - Sold
The Warrior head is possibly a ritual display of a severed head. Tiwanaku elites
were obsessed with decapitations. Wears a very defined Puma (chachapuma) headdress.
The feline is aggressive with ears pulled back exposing all frontal teeth. Banded
fret pattern collar and hind legs are finalized with avian heads. The side earflaps
of the hat are also highly decorated with motifs. Measures: 5.75”/14.60 cm H, 2.75”/6.98
cm W, 4”/10.16 cm D. PEWI-134CB - Sold
The Kneeling figure is a dignitary figure and resembles the kneeling statues from
Pokotia. Arms lowered to his abdomen with index fingers meeting at the middle. Squared
head, eyes, mouth and nose. Banded crown shows some geometric patterns. Measures:
5.5”/ 13.97 cm H, 1.75”/4.44 cm W, 2.75”/6.98 cm D. PEWI-134CC - Sold
Provenance: Private Florida Collection
Ref: The Tiwanaku - Alan L. Kolata; Identity and Power in the Ancient Andes - John
Wayne Janusek
