An exceptional Nazca ceremonial 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 very 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 in 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 to be 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 colored stones are embedded to each side
separating his body and arms. Truly, an amazing piece. Southern Peru. Nazca, ca.
100 B.C. - 800 A.D.
Measures 17”/43.1 cm in length, 4.5”/11.43 cm mace head.
Condition: Wood shaft is rough and fraying with chipped stone points otherwise, in
excellent condition.
Ex Boston, MA collection acquired before 1975