No Image
No Image

Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru (North Coast), Moche Culture, ca. 100 to 700 CE. This is a gorgeous intact example of one of the classic forms of pre-Columbian pottery -- the Moche stirrup vessel, using the shape of a seated human body and attaching a handle to create a ceremonial drinking vessel. A vessel like this would most likely have been created for a member of the elite and placed in their tomb as a grave offering to demonstrate their wealth as they began their journey into the afterlife. This particular vessel depicts Ai Apec, the chief deity of the Moche (Mochica) culture. He bears the identifying marks of the god, with feline fangs extending from his fierce mouth and a sea-like motif -- possibly ocean waves? -- as his headdress. He also wears a necklace/earrings combination of snake-like heads and holds a line that extends from another snake-like head to a fish/arthropod-like beast. Size: 6.25" W x 9.3" H (15.9 cm x 23.6 cm)

Provenance: Ex - Private Hawaiian Collection, Ex. Washington State collection acquired in the 1980's.

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.

#113823

  • Condition: Near choice with minor pigment wear.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

June 2, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000