Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chavin, Quebrada Cupisnique, ca. 1200 BCE. A fascinating mold-made terracotta stirrup vessel with its body modeled to depict a sacrificial leg. The human leg is bent at the knee, finely incised with glyphoids and jaguar heads that present terrifying visages with fang-filled mouths; these are connected via a flowing lifeline emerging from the mouths and symbolizing the breath that unites all living beings. The form is skillfully delineated with the calf and foot projecting beyond the thigh, and the foot's five toes finely rendered with incised nailbeds. Finally, a nipple-like form marks the center of the 'cut' end of the limb, and a generous stirrup handle rises above. Size: 6.75" L x 5.2" W x 8.9" H (17.1 cm x 13.2 cm x 22.6 cm)

The Chavin religion included ceremonies featuring both blood-letting and sacrificial rituals. Scholars posit that these ceremonies were oftentimes performed in public spaces that could accommodate as many as 1,500 people, but, on the other hand, were sometimes more exclusive and relegated to an elite audience, taking place in relatively intimate, restricted sites within a temple.

The Chavin civilization is generally regarded as the Andean mother civilization - oftentimes compared to the Olmec of Mexico. Both the Chavin and the Olmec cultures created the earliest Pre-Columbian visual culture that continued to flourish until European contact in the 16th century. Using molds and modeling the forms by hand, the Chavin made numerous stirrup-spout vessels like this example. Scholars have suggested that the indigenous used them to store fermented maize beer known as "chicha".

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private T. Misenhimer collection, Beverly Hills, California, USA, collected from 1970 to 2008

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#160669

Repaired from multiple large pieces, with small areas of restoration to handle and spout, and resurfacing with overpainting along break lines. Abrasions to body, handle, foot, and spout. Great remains of original pigment and incised details across surfaces of body. Old inventory label beneath base.