A huge Chavin Stone Platter, Early Horizon Period, ca. 900 – 500 BCE Medium - Shell acquired in Asia prior to

acquired in Asia prior to 1980

with each end featuring a loop that would have been used to fasten the piece around the neck or secured to other elements

acquired from the NYC trade in 2003

Large rectangular vent hole at the rear

otherwise all are intact and in excellent condition overall

A huge Chavin Stone Platter, Early Horizon Period, ca. 900 – 500 BCE Medium - Shell acquired in Asia prior toAn exceptionally large ceremonial platter hand carved from dense grey basalt. Circular in form with a shallow concave interior and finely tapered edges, the piece demonstrates the technical mastery of Chavn stoneworkers who shaped and polished extremely hard volcanic rock using simple abrasives. Its monumental size and restrained design suggest a ritual rather than domestic function, possibly for offerings, libations, or the preparation of sacred