Lot 5
Pre-Columbian, north coast Peru, Moche, Phase IV, ca. 500 to 700 CE. A captivating Moche stirrup vessel, a terracotta echo from centuries past rendered in rich red and beige slip, vividly portrays a scene of supernatural tension, sometimes referred to as Ritual Fishing. The anthropomorphic Crab Deity is depicted lying on his stomach, a spotted crab body boasting ten legs yet possessing human arms, legs, and a raised head adorned with traditional Moche headgear, poised to capture the anthropomorphic bonito fish warrior - also known as The Bonito God, The Fish Monster, or the Anthropomorphic Demon Fish - with a fishing line extending from his grasp. The latter, a formidable figure with prominent fins and human limbs, clutches a crescent-bladed tumi knife - an emblem of ritual decapitation - and is moments away from being ensnared. Size: 6.3" L x 4.8" W x 8" H (16 cm x 12.2 cm x 20.3 cm)
Certain scholars propose that the Demon Fish served as a personification of the ocean and its inherent dangers for Moche fishermen. Although the exact interpretation of this scene is unknown, the objective of the conflict seems to have been the acquisition of adversaries for ritual offering. This striking imagery offers a glimpse into the Moche worldview, where the boundaries between human, animal, and divine were fluid, and the act of capture held profound symbolic weight within their intricate cosmology.
The prominent inclusion of crabs within the Moche pantheon of anthropomorphic warriors, frequently depicted on modeled and painted ceramics with crab-like bodies and human heads, underscores the significant cultural status of these creatures. This esteem is further highlighted by Moche literature referencing a Hermit Crab God, portrayed with a human head and crab body. Given the prevalence of crabs in the Moche coastal environment, their representation may have resonated deeply. Their ability to thrive in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats could have symbolized the Moche's own adaptability and resilience, or perhaps their powerful pinchers served as metaphors for military might. Ultimately, the specific reasons for the crab's elevated position within Moche iconography remain elusive due to the absence of a written tradition in the prehispanic Andes.
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery, acquired from the late 1990s to 2005
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#193958
- Condition: Professionally repaired with restoration and repainting over break lines. Chipping to rim and some nicks and abrasions to surface as shown. Otherwise, good presentation with nice pigments and detail.
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