Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, Phase IV, ca. 500 to 700 CE. A fantastic example of a hand-built pottery vessel depicting a seated male figure, perhaps representative of a dignitary or societal elite. The highly burnished vessel exhibits a slightly convex yet stable base, a broad body with hands placed atop bent knees, rounded shoulders, a large head, and a stirrup-shaped handle surmounted by a cylindrical spout. The enlarged head bears a countenance with downcast eyes, a bulbous nose, shallow nasolabial folds flanking full lips, and a cap held in place with a chinstrap. Intricate serrated and triangular patterns in white pigment create the foreground motifs atop the burgundy headwear, and an incised neck panel drapes down the verso atop the broad coiffure bangs. Size: 5.25" W x 9.125" H (13.3 cm x 23.2 cm)

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-Ashland University Museum, Ashland, Ohio, USA, donated to Ashland University between July 1994 to December 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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#165787

Small area of repair and restoration to top of spout rim, with resurfacing and overpainting along new material and break lines. Minor abrasions and fading to original pigment, with a couple of small spalls, and light encrustations. Great remains of original pigment and figural form. TL drill holes behind head and beneath base.