Lot 144A
Pre-Columbian, South Coast Peru, Huari/Wari, ca. 700 to 1100 CE. A HUGE, COLOSSAL, GIGANTIC, ENORMOUS, MONUMENTAL . . . human effigy vessel, the sizeable spout depicting an elder's head in partial relief with a wrinkled complexion, veristic facial features, and long, wavy strands of hair painted down the body on the verso; the gargantuan egg-shaped vessel body featuring a finely painted depiction of the gentleman's frame, rendered in an abstract, characteristically flat (almost paper doll like) form with outspread fingers and toes, wearing a meticulously detailed tunic comprised of triangular panels adorned with abstract/figural textile motifs in a pleasing palette of red, grey, beige, orange, black, and white hues, a grand 'beaded' grey pectoral, and matching grey bracelets. Flanking the figure on both sides of the vessel are large panels of impressed overlapping spiral motifs perhaps representing rolling waves or cloud forms. All is presented against a tawny orange ground. Rare to find an example this large! Size: 14" W x 21.5" H (35.6 cm x 54.6 cm)
The beautiful wave/cloud motifs on the side walls of the olla hint at the symbolism intended by the indigenous artist. Perhaps this is a reference to the watery realm of the underworld which was simultaneously viewed as both an aquatic environment and the starry night sky. This duality may be surprising to us; however, it was typical of Pre-Columbian interpretations of the cosmos. Additional unexpected dualism is embodied in the Pre-Columbian understanding that the underworld was not only a place of life's end but also a locus for the renewal of life. Beyond this possible spiritual iconography, the waves may simply reference the rich natural environment of coastal Peru where aquatic flora and fauna resided.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) by QED Laboratoire in Marseilles, France on February 24, 2017 and has been found to be ancient, originating from the Huari culture and dating between 700 and 1100 CE. A full report will accompany purchase.
Provenance: private Cajigas collection, Spain; ex-the late Noval collection, Spain, collected from mid 1960s to 1976
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#128058
- Condition: Repaired probe hole to lower left of figure, normal surface wear commensurate with age, a number of expected spalls, minor chipping to the rim, and a couple of TL holes. Otherwise in remarkable condition considering its size and age. Nice manganese deposits on surface.
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