**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Chimu, ca. 1100 to 1470 CE. A highly-burnished blackware pottery vessel with a body in the form of a prone monkey presenting a raised head and a long sinuous tail, crouching with its feet upon the round base of the vessel. With a cylindrical spout projecting from its back side, the simian creature's head presents heavy-lidded, almond-shaped eyes beneath a prominent brow, a broad nose, and a straight mouth, all capped by a pair of perky ears. A second monkey sits atop the vessel with his left arm on the head of his companion and his right on his own head as a stirrup-shaped strap handle rises from his back, ending at the spout. Monkeys were highly symbolic to the ancients of the Americas. Scholars believe that the indigenous were fascinated by the physical antics of these animals, viewing them as parodies of human behavior. Size: 9.5" L x 4.5" W x 8.125" H (24.1 cm x 11.4 cm x 20.6 cm)

Provenance: ex-Stein collection, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired prior to 2010; ex William Micol collection, Milford, Michigan, USA

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#163928

Repaired from several pieces with restoration over break lines. Restoration to right arm of top monkey and spout. Expected nicks and abrasions in some areas, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with light earthen deposits in recessed areas.