Lot 114B
Pre-Columbian, Bolivia and Peru, Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco) culture, ca. 500 to 1000 CE. A hand-built and painted pottery figural vessel depicting a stylized human torso, its flaring shoulders and elongated neck rendered in an angular, abstract form characteristic of Tiwanaku ceramic art. The figure's head tilts upward, his gaze lifted toward the heavens, lending the piece a sense of spiritual engagement or ritual invocation. The face is simplified yet expressive, with prominent circular eyes, a pronounced nose, and a small mouth, all painted with mineral pigments in red, cream, and black. Vertical striping patterns cascade down the front and back, framing a central diamond motif on the reverse and evoking the elaborate tunics worn by high-status individuals in the Tiwanaku sphere. Slender arms are shown in relief, held close to the chest in a deliberate, symbolic pose: the left hand rests upon the chin in a gesture of contemplation, while the right grasps a small bucket or vessel. Size: 3.9" L x 6.8" W x 7" H (9.9 cm x 17.3 cm x 17.8 cm)
This secondary vessel ingeniously doubles as the functional spout, emerging from the figure's right shoulder. Small perforations at each shoulder may have once held cord or decorative attachments. The upward tilt of the head, combined with the symbolic hand positions and integrated spout, reflects the Tiwanaku mastery of merging form, function, and meaning. Such vessels likely played a role in ceremonial contexts - perhaps for libations or offerings - while also serving as emblems of status and spiritual devotion in the high Andes.
Provenance: ex-Robert Morris Fine Art, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; ex-Dean Hoskins collection, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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#196725
- Condition: Professional restoration to face and rim of vessel, as well as light surface wear in areas. Otherwise, excellent presentation with nice pigments and rich encrustations to interior.
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