Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Moche culture, ca. 100 to 700 CE. A charming pair of near-miniature Moche stirrup-spout vessels, each carefully modeled in the form of a llama head. One is rendered in pale red-orange terracotta, the other in dark grayware, their contrasting hues perhaps reflecting regional ceramic traditions or symbolic intent. Both feature stylized yet expressive details: elongated muzzles, upright ears, and prominent eyes, with the stirrup spout emerging gracefully from the back of the head and looping to meet the vessel body. Llamas held a central role in Andean life, serving as pack animals, sources of wool, and even sacrificial offerings in ritual contexts. Moche artisans, renowned for their figural ceramics, frequently depicted llamas to honor their economic and spiritual importance. Size of larger (blackware): 4" L x 1.5" W x 3.5" H (10.2 cm x 3.8 cm x 8.9 cm)

These diminutive vessels may have served in ceremonial libations or as votive offerings, their compact scale suggesting a function linked to ritual portability or symbolic representation rather than everyday utility. Together, the pair illustrates the Moche mastery of form and cultural symbolism, encapsulating the blend of artistry and devotion characteristic of their ceramic tradition.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-Freeman/Hindman Auctions, Chicago, Illinois, USA; ex-Mark Clark collection, San Francisco, California, USA, prior to August 6, 1993; ex-Donald Wonder collection, California & New Jersey, USA, thence by descent

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.

#197181

  • Condition: Redware has had professional repair and restoration; blackware has chips to rim and handles, but is otherwise intact. Both have expected abrasions and surface wear as shown. Liberal remaining detail and rich earthen deposits throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

October 17, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% 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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000