Lot 143
Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Moche III to Moche IV, ca. 450 to 650 CE. A handsome mold-made stirrup vessel representing a seated male figure in a lifelike pose. He sits with open eyes, as if in a somber trance, with a naturalistic nose, and pursed lips. Atop his head is either a mushroom-like cap or an impressive middle-parted flattop, painted with diagonal stripes. He also wears large, round earrings, bracelets, and anklets. Notice that this gentleman's pose and gestures are quite natural - seated with a rounded back, his hands resting on his knees, and his legs folded with crossed feet visible below the hem of his tunic. Size: 8" W x 7.7" H (20.3 cm x 19.6 cm)
This piece most likely features a portrait of an important member of Moche society. It is possible - even probable - that there are portraits of him as an older man on other vessels, as we know of several examples of Moche portrait vessels portraying the same individual at different stages of life! Vessels like this one were traded as emblems of authority around the Moche world before being buried as grave goods; others are also known from domestic contexts, and wear on examples found in graves indicates that they were used for cooking and drinking before being buried with the dead. Imagine a vessel like this one being used at a feast, displaying a relationship with the person depicted.
Provenance: ex-Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired prior to 2000
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#155889
- Condition: Underside/back have been expertly repaired and restored with limited overpaint. Small, stable crack on bottom of one foot. Also a tiny hole on the side of the nose. The front of the figure is wonderfully preserved. Great remaining pigment.
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