• Width:
  2 1/2" Inches
• Height:
  5 1/2" Inches
• Period:
  Pre-18th Century
• Origin:
  America

 This enchanting Chimú Blackware man was almost certainly used on a ceremonial altar.  Offerings played an important role in Chimú religious rites and they are best known for their distinctive monochromatic pottery and fine metal working of copper, gold, silver, and bronze. The shiny blackware finish of most Chimú pottery was achieved by firing the pottery at high temperatures in a closed kiln, which prevented oxygen from reacting with the clay.  The characteristic brightness of these exquisite works was obtained by rubbing with a polished rock. The Chimú's  biggest advancement was in the realm of artistic manufacture.  Their ceramic skill and production was rivaled only by the Moche culture.  Chimú work is defined by its characteristically black color and very refined surfaces.  Artisans used molds for production and were able to produce household and functional items in a series.  The main types of Chimú ceramics are small sculptures, and manufactured molded and shaped pottery for ceremonial or daily use. Although ceramics were usually stained black there are some variations. Lighter ceramics were also produced in smaller quantities. Chimú functional ceramics were crafted for two functions: containers for daily domestic use and those made for ceremonial use for offerings at burials. Domestic pottery was developed without the quality of finish that we see with funeral ceramics which show more aesthetic refinement. Many animals, fruits, characters, and mystical entities have been represented pictorially on Chimú ceramics. These ceramics are historical documents of the daily lives and activities of the Chimú people.

The Chimu culture arose around 900 AD on the northern coast of Peru in a large adobe city in the Moche Valley. Many objects are dated as late as the15th century because the Chimu were conquered by the Incas in 1470 AD.  This was just fifty years before the arrival of the Spanish in the region. Consequently, Spanish chroniclers were able to record accounts of Chimú culture from individuals who had lived before the Inca conquest. The Chimú had an advanced aristocratic and autocratic system of government.  They built monumental cities and their civilizations had artificial watering systems allowing them to irrigate their crops in a very arid landscape.  Because of their technological prowess the Chimú reached advancements in agriculture, urban development, and the arts.

Circa, 1000-1200 AD
2 1/2" w x 5 1/2"h