Lot 57
Pre-Columbian, northern Peru, Moche III, ca. 400 to 500 CE. A superb and highly decorated portrait vessel created by the Moche culture. The Moche of northern Peru may be the only ancient culture of the Americas that produced true portrait vessels. In fact, scholars have been able to follow the progression of age and rank of several individuals portrayed in Moche pottery. This example depicts a frontal visage of a proud warrior donning impressive, large ornaments including a grand nosering, round polka dotted earspools, and a jaguar helmet tethered beneath his chin - all painted in red and cream slip. Jaguar imagery symbolized power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this king of beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World. The principal Moche god Ai Apec wears a headdress adorned with a jaguar head and paws and important mortals like the gentleman depicted in this example donned similar headdresses. An outstanding Moche warrior portrait vessel with a veristic visage, adorned in a manner that is by opulent and highly symbolic ! Size: 7.25" W x 10.75" H (18.4 cm x 27.3 cm)
A nocturnal animal, the jaguar sleeps in caves and dark places and creeps quietly in the forest, evoking great mystery. Oddly enough, few Moche artists would have actually scene jaguars as they are not indigenous to the coast. Jaguars prefer moist forest conditions. However, scholars believe that some cubs were transported over the mountains for Moche rituals and it is also possible that some jaguars wandered down the coast.
Provenance: Ex- A. Cajigas collection, Spain, acquired before 1976
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#113528
- Condition: Minor almost invisible repair to one side of spout, else near choice
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