Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 400 to 600 CE. A skillfully executed, hand-built pottery stirrup vessel portraying a seated shaman with knees drawn up and holding a scepter in his right hand as he rests his left on his bulbous belly. The ancient figure is elaborately dressed, wearing a fascinating headdress featuring the face of a jaguar, as well as a broad pectoral, a lengthy cape, a striped belt, and a petite loincloth. His stern visage is composed of naturalistic features, displaying heavy-lidded, almond-shaped eyes, a curved nose, and a straight mouth. Size: 6.5" W x 9.75" H (16.5 cm x 24.8 cm)

Jaguar imagery symbolized power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world; hence, warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this king of beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World. For the Moche and others, it symbolized a fierceness as well as an individuality that they identified with leaders in their society.

Provenance: ex Ashland University Museum, Ashland, Ohio, USA, donated to Ashland University between July 1994 to December 1998

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#165422

Collection label on base. Repaired from several pieces with restoration. Some minor nicks and light abrasions, as shown. Otherwise, excellent with nice pigments.