Pre-Columbian, Central/North Coast Peru, Moche, Phase II, ca. 200 to 400 CE. A hand-built pottery vessel in the form of a seated warrior in a resting position with eyes and mouth closed. His stylized detailing is a hallmark of Moche ingenious creative legacy. The face features a protruded nose, slit-form mouth, and almond-shaped eyes. His elbows rests on delineated knees, with hands crisscrossing at his midsection, where his neck and head rest comfortably with head cocked to one side. A long strand neck guard dangles down from his helmet onto the top side of his face unto his back. The vessel and figure are painted in interchanging cream and red pigments. A strap handle rises from the top side of the figures face unto the side of his back, with spout extended vertically from its midsection. Size: 5" L x 5" W x 7.5" H (12.7 cm x 12.7 cm x 19 cm)

The Moche were perhaps the only ancient culture in the Americas to produce portrait vessels. The sculptor's intent was to present a very realistic depiction, and interestingly, scholars have been able to follow the progression of age and rank of several of individuals portrayed in pottery.

Provenance: ex-private Drimmer collection, Florida, USA, before 1965

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#165151

Remnants of old inventory labels including black writing of number on bottom of base. Fading to painted decorations commensurate with age. Minor chipping to spouts rim. Slight loss to one of the figures feet. Strap handle professionally repaired from two pieces. Otherwise in good overall condition and presents extremely well!