Large and beautiful Chancai Culture polychrome wood. Textile adornment: The upper part is decorated with cotton and wool weaving featuring traditional Andean geometric motifs. Eyes: Represented by two irregular triangular openings, probably for vision if the mask was worn during ceremonies. These masks were used in funerary rituals, placed over the faces of burial bundles (fardos). They represented idealised or symbolic faces, not necessarily portraits of the deceased. The presence of elaborate textiles suggests the individual was of high social status. The textiles reflect the importance of weaving and textile arts in the Chancay culture—some of the most refined in the ancient Andes. Acquired from a Spanish private collection, R.O.M in the 70's. -The piece includes an authenticity certificate as well as export license for European Union. IMPORTANT: Due to the new laws on the export of archaeological pieces, we have decided to NO LONGER sell outside the European territory for the following countries: SWITZERLAND & UNITED STATES of AMERICA. For other destinations out of European territory: all our items will be shipped after obtaining a definitive LICENSE EXPORTATION by the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks. According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subjected to export taxes. The taxes will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price, and the tax rate is not applied directly to the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. / From 6.001 to 60.000 euros: 10 %. Please note that for far destination (Asia, middle east etc.. ), there will be an additional cost for the shipping.