Cuzco Moon

William Hunter, Cuzco Moon, 1987, vera, 14 ¹⁄₄ x 14 ¹⁄₂ in. (36.2 x 36.8 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Jane and Arthur K. Mason on the occasion of the 25^th anniversary of the Renwick Gallery, 1996.98.4

Artwork Details

Title: Cuzco Moon
Artist: William Hunter
Date: 1987
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 14 ¹⁄₄ x 14 ¹⁄₂ in. (36.2 x 36.8 cm) diam.
Credit Line: Gift of Jane and Arthur K. Mason on the occasion of the 25^th anniversary of the Renwick Gallery
Mediums: vera
Mediums Description: vera
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Object Number: 1996.98.4
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1996.98.4

Artwork Description

Cuzco Moon is turned from vera wood, an evergreen that is native to Colombia and Venezuela. The title comes from the city of Cuzco, in southern Peru, once the capital of the ancient Inca Empire. William Hunter’s carving follows the swirling grain around a natural, pale circle of wood that represents the moon goddess Mama Quilla.