Lot 23
Pre-Columbian, northern Peru, Moche culture, ca. 300 to 500 CE. A spectacular and rare copper depiction of the Moche god Ai Apaec (Ai Apec), rendered in dynamic, multi-part assemblage. Composed of nine hammered copper sections forming the deity's body, the figure stands with legs and arms splayed at right angles, its triangular waistcloth adorned with repousse panels, fin-like extensions, and a broad pectoral plate incised with animals in relief. The expressive head shows bulging, wing-shaped eyes with pierced pupils - perhaps once inlaid with shell or stone - a prominent nose, and a crescent septum ornament. Above rises an elaborate headdress with a projecting jaguar head surmounted by arched, feather-shaped plumes. Circular ring attachments and dangling discs are distributed across the composition. When assembled, this imposing image - measuring approximately 60 inches (152 cm) in height - would have radiated powerful symbolic and divine presence. Size of head: 22" L x 15.5" W (55.9 cm x 39.4 cm); arm: 11.75" L x 6" W x 22" H (29.8 cm x 15.2 cm x 55.9 cm)
Ai Apaec, the principal deity of the Moche pantheon, embodied creation, sustenance, water, and military triumph - a fierce yet venerated figure often called the "Headsman" or "Decapitator God." His iconography is fluid and complex, merging human, feline, spider, and marine elements to express divine ferocity and supernatural power. According to scholars, human sacrifices offered to Ai Apaec involved the ritual decapitation of captives, their heads presented as potent offerings to appease and honor him. This remarkable copper ensemble may once have adorned a sarcophagus of an elite individual or served as a funerary banner, the god's image stitched to a woven textile. Such a placement would have signified the deceased's exalted status within Moche society, while the figure's scale, refined metalwork, and extensive use of copper underscore both the ritual and social importance of the piece. Comparable representations of Ai Apaec - particularly those with the distinctive headdress - appear in Moche painted ceramics and molded effigies, affirming this as one of the culture's most iconic divine portrayals.
Provenance: private Dallas, Texas, USA collection; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection, acquired before 2010
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.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#198842
- Condition: Tear and loss to nose ornament. Some losses to dangling discs with some missing. Tearing and perforation to pectoral and fins on waist. Heavy mineral and earthen deposits throughout; dangling discs have fused to the surface and no longer articulate. Overall excellent preservation. This could be mounted together on a flat surface as a spectacular display piece.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping
Artemis Fine Arts
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 + | $500 |