4 dolls joined together and can hang from a fabric loop. They are offered as-is, due to age and scarcity! Each doll is probably stand about 5 inches tall by 2 inches each, but they are all joined together. Overall this is about 6" by 6" or so.
These dolls have such an interesting history. The burial 'dolls' of the Chancay culture (modern day Peru) are made of woven fabric and are normally stuffed with reed or fiber. Some "dolls", such as that of a llama which was displayed in the National Gallery of Australia, have been found to be stuffed with tiny round grains instead. The 'dolls' are dressed in gendered garments woven to size, and would usually have tapestry-woven faces with dramatic facial features. Some of these 'dolls' have been found to be holding an item in their hands - a ball of cotton, a piece of yarn, or even a musical instrument.
These 'dolls' are believed to represent human beings, rather than supernatural beings (such as gods or spirits) based on the details of their costume. These details also serve to show the gender of the 'dolls'. For example, female 'dolls' have netted head cloths, whilst male ones have slings. Additionally, the gender of these 'dolls' can be distinguished based on the patterns on their faces. Females are said to have "several variations of diagonal stepped patterns", whilst their male counter-parts are reported to have a more standardized "pattern of three triangular sections".
The function(s) of the Chancay burial 'dolls' is / are unknown, and much speculation has been made regarding this subject. The fact that these 'dolls' have been found in graves adds another layer of complexity to this question.
One suggestion is that they had a similar function to the shabtis of the ancient Egyptians, and served as companions or servants in the afterlife. It has been pointed out that in many graves, small scenes involving multiple 'dolls' have been found. These 'dolls' not only included humans, but also animals and even architectural structures.
These dolls have such an interesting history. The burial 'dolls' of the Chancay culture (modern day Peru) are made of woven fabric and are normally stuffed with reed or fiber. Some "dolls", such as that of a llama which was displayed in the National Gallery of Australia, have been found to be stuffed with tiny round grains instead. The 'dolls' are dressed in gendered garments woven to size, and would usually have tapestry-woven faces with dramatic facial features. Some of these 'dolls' have been found to be holding an item in their hands - a ball of cotton, a piece of yarn, or even a musical instrument.
These 'dolls' are believed to represent human beings, rather than supernatural beings (such as gods or spirits) based on the details of their costume. These details also serve to show the gender of the 'dolls'. For example, female 'dolls' have netted head cloths, whilst male ones have slings. Additionally, the gender of these 'dolls' can be distinguished based on the patterns on their faces. Females are said to have "several variations of diagonal stepped patterns", whilst their male counter-parts are reported to have a more standardized "pattern of three triangular sections".
The function(s) of the Chancay burial 'dolls' is / are unknown, and much speculation has been made regarding this subject. The fact that these 'dolls' have been found in graves adds another layer of complexity to this question.
One suggestion is that they had a similar function to the shabtis of the ancient Egyptians, and served as companions or servants in the afterlife. It has been pointed out that in many graves, small scenes involving multiple 'dolls' have been found. These 'dolls' not only included humans, but also animals and even architectural structures.