Paracas Wood, Stone and Feather Club
Intricate Details and Artistic Narrative of this
Paracas Wood, Stone, and Feather Club
An exceptional Paracas wooden club. One of the hardest items to come by intact from this region with these outstanding features. The wood handle is probably made from the Mastodon palm. Parrot feathers surround and trim the lower base of the six-pointed stone head. The maker did not hold back in demonstrating that this club was made for a high-status individual. The outer mace has been incised with a humanoid figure. Each point is adorned with an appendage. Under magnification, tiny clear crystal stones are embedded in the eyes with a gold flake nested in one. A triangular green stone is placed on his forehead. In the center body of the stone mace is an extraordinary series of Sun Flairs edging outwards from a cast Silver moon – illustrating a solar eclipse.
This depiction strongly suggests the shared Andean Sun God – later known by the Incas as “Inti.”
The lower shaft is also impressive. The wood finial is carved flat into a musician holding a bone flute. Larger light purple stones are embedded to each side, separating his body and arms. Indeed, it is a fantastic piece. South West Coast, Peru. Paracas, Early Horizon ca. 800 – 100 BC.
Measures 17”/43.1 cm in length, 4.5”/11.43 cm mace head.
Condition: The wood shaft is rough and fraying with chipped stone points; otherwise, in excellent condition.
Ex Boston, MA collection acquired before 1975
Price $5,800
Paracas Sun God Mace Club – flickr
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases