Provenance Information

[Possibly Merrin Gallery, New York]; Private Collection, New York; [Sotheby’s, New York, Pre-Columbian Art, Nov. 23, 1998, sale no. 7224, lot no. 22, reproduced]; purchased by Assen and Christine Nicolov, Seattle, Washington

Exhibition Information

None known

Publication Information

None known

Section of the AAMD Guidelines relied upon for the exception to 1970

Cumulative facts and circumstances

Explain why the object fits the exception set forth above

Today utilitarian and domestic objects such as textiles, wooden objects, and baskets—like this Tiwanaku basket—are rare because of the arid western Andean climate in which they were made. This coiled basket is an exceptionally well-preserved example. However, due to their materials and relatively low historical value, it is difficult to trace the provenance of such pieces. This basket cleared a search conducted by the Art Loss Register. The acquisition adds to the Seattle Art Museum’s collection of basketry from the Americas, and is the first basket in the Ancient Americas collection. It could be nicely shown with several of the museum’s Tiwanaku textile fragments, forging a connection between the two genres.

Provenance Information

Inherited by the donor from Dr. Richard Levine in 2007. Sold to Levine by Jim Blackmon of San Francisco in the early 1990's. Blackmon acquired them from Ernie Martin, who is believed to have obtained them in the mid to late 1970's.

Exhibition Information

None known

Publication Information

None known

Section of the AAMD Guidelines relied upon for the exception to 1970

Cumulative facts and circumstances

Explain why the object fits the exception set forth above

The basket donation was discussed with Chilean archaeologist Dr. Mario Rivera; information was also sent to Dr. Ivan Munoz of the archaeological museum in Arica, Chile. Baskets and textiles from the Alto Ramirez culture of far northern Chile are extremely rare. These two baskets will be an important resource for researchers studying the art and material culture of this early people. Future research may focus on plant materials, dye sources, motifs and patterns, and dating.

Provenance Information

Inherited by the donor from Dr. Richard Levine in 2007. Sold to Levine by Jim Blackmon of San Francisco in the early 1990's. Blackmon acquired them from Ernie Martin, who is believed to have obtained them in the mid to late 1970's.

Exhibition Information

None known prior to Denver Art Museum acquisition

Publication Information

None known

Section of the AAMD Guidelines relied upon for the exception to 1970

Cumulative facts and circumstances

Explain why the object fits the exception set forth above

The basket donation was discussed with Chilean archaeologist Dr. Mario Rivera; information was also sent to Dr. Ivan Munoz of the archaeological museum in Arica, Chile. The arid north coast region of Chile permits excellent preservation of organic materials, including baskets. Only a limited number of baskets have been studied or published, however. These five examples will be an important resource for researchers on the art and archaeology of the Atacama region. Future research may focus on plant materials, dye sources, motifs and patterns, and dating.

Provenance Information

Inherited by the donor from Dr. Richard Levine in 2007. Sold to Levine by Jim Blackmon of San Francisco in the early 1990's. Blackmon acquired them from Ernie Martin, who is believed to have obtained them in the mid to late 1970's.

Exhibition Information

None known prior to Denver Art Museum acquisition.

Publication Information

None known

Section of the AAMD Guidelines relied upon for the exception to 1970

Cumulative facts and circumstances

Explain why the object fits the exception set forth above

The basket donation was discussed with Chilean archaeologist Dr. Mario Rivera; information was also sent to Dr. Ivan Munoz of the archaeological museum in Arica, Chile. Baskets in the Tiwanaku style are exceptionally rare because of the climate in the Bolivian altiplano, where Tiwanaku is located. These six baskets are believed to have been preserved in the arid north coast region of Chile. They will be an important resource for researchers studying the Tiwanaku civilization, as well Andean art and archaeology more broadly. Future research may focus on plant materials, dye sources, motifs and patterns, and dating.