Lot 12
Pre-Columbian, Peru, north coast, Cupisnique / Chavin-Salinar transitional ca. 500 BCE to 100 CE. A fine example of an owl effigy stirrup vessel, the dramatic face gazing from one side with a prominent beak and low relief tufts (plumicorns) above the eyes. The intense stare is enhanced by the concentric circles etched around the eyes that alternate between the warm buff ground and an orange pigment. The owl is frequently associated in South American iconography with the underworld, death, and shamanism. Their haunting calls at night were often omens of death or believed to be the embodiment of spirits. Size: 5" W x 8" H (12.7 cm x 20.3 cm)
The relationship between the Chavin and Cupisnique cultures is not fully understood and remains the subject of ongoing archaeological investigation; the names are sometimes used interchangeably due to their overlapping characteristics. The Cupisnique culture, which thrived on the northern coast of Peru from around 1500 to 500 BCE, is renowned for its sophisticated ceramics and is perhaps a precursor to the Chavin culture. The Chavin people lived in the northern highland Andes, with their capital, Chavin de Huantar, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chavin artwork represents the first widespread artistic style in the Andes, influencing subsequent cultures. The Salinar culture, which flourished on the northern coast of Peru around 400 to 200 BCE, was influenced by Chavin art and is often viewed as a transitional culture between the earlier Chavin civilization and the later Moche culture.
Provenance: private Stone Mountain, Georgia, USA collection, acquired in the 1980s; ex-Gerardo Roca collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#188894
PLEASE READ BEFORE BIDDING:
Due to Customs Clearances Issues, if you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or arrange your own shipping, else we will not be able to complete your purchase. Furthermore, international returns on antiquities for reasons other than authenticity or damage issues will not be accepted due to similar issues.
- Condition: Small area of restoration with new material at the rim, and a chip to the rim. Rest of the vessel appears intact and excellent. Overall a fine example!
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |