Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Lambayeque Valley, Middle Sican-Lambayeque culture, ca. 900 to 1100 CE. A remarkable mold-made pottery stirrup vessel, presenting in the form of 6 gourds organized into 2 rows of 3 and tied together so they are corseted at the waist. A pair of figural spouts present at either end of the unique vessel, each displaying a seated figure with legs drawn up to his chest and arms resting on his stomach, as he gazes outwards from heavy-lidded, almond-shaped eyes above a naturalistic nose and straight mouth. Both figures are capped by conical head adornments that rest above their prominent ears and serve as openings to the spouts. A slender, ribbon-form handle arches across the vessel, connecting each of the figures at their backs. An anthropomorphic or simian head is featured at the top arc of the handle, wearing a flat-topped hat and striated collar, while being flanked by a pair of frogs who face inward. The top of each gourd is tapered, creating a mammiform appearance. Size: 8.25" L x 4.625" W x 7.125" H (21 cm x 11.7 cm x 18.1 cm)

Provenance: Deaccessioned from Ashland University, Ashland, OH, donated to the University between 7/14/1994 and 12/31/1998.

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 to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#165498

Three small perforations to vessel. Losses to one figure's nose. Repair and restoration to spouts and handles. Expected chips and abrasions throughout, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice.