**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, northern Peru, Moche, Phase III, ca. 400 to 500 CE. A superb portrait vessel created by the Moche culture. The Moche of northern Peru may be the only ancient culture of the Americas that produced true portrait vessels. In fact, scholars have been able to follow the progression of age and rank of several individuals portrayed in Moche pottery. This example depicts a frontal visage of a proud warrior donning grand ornaments including an immaculate, jaguar-adorned helmet, a veristic nose, and a pair of domineering round ears decorated in a circular linear motif. The vessel is painted in a graceful red and cream slip. An outstanding Moche warrior portrait vessel. Size: 7" L x 4" Diameter x 7" H (17.8 cm x 10.2 cm x 17.8 cm)

Jaguar imagery symbolized power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this king of beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World. The principal Moche god Ai Apec wears a headdress adorned with a jaguar head and paws and important mortals like the gentleman depicted in this example donned similar headdresses. A nocturnal animal, the jaguar sleeps in caves and dark places and creeps quietly in the forest, evoking great mystery. Oddly enough, few Moche artists would have actually seen jaguars as they are not indigenous to the coast. Jaguars prefer moist forest conditions. However, scholars believe that some cubs were transported over the mountains for Moche rituals, and it is also possible that some jaguars wandered down the coast.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: ex-Stein collection, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired April 21, 2009; ex-Arte Xibalba, Osprey, Florida, USA; ex-Joseph Espinoza collection, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, imported from Brazil around 1980

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A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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#163965

Well-preserved. Patina and pigments in choice condition with minimal signs of aging or use. Light browning to surface below the right ear and along portions of the bottom. Tiny TL testing drill holes on the bottom and back of headdress. Otherwise in excellent condition.