Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Chimu, ca. 1100 to 1470 CE. An intriguing blackware stirrup vessel with an incised motif and high relief anthropomorphic figure with a bird. The vessel has a flat base and a globular body that is incised with a geometric triangular and spiraling motif across the shoulder. A man, perhaps a shaman, rises from the top. He appears from the waist up; his face is molded and incised with huge eyes, broad nose, and large lips. In his arms is a bird with a pronounced beak. The handle and spout arch from the man's back, and a rounded shape protrudes near the base, perhaps representing a leaf. The Andean peoples were fascinated by the power of flight and birds were understood as sky animals representing the celestial realm that served as mediators between humankind and the deities. Size: 6.25" W x 8.5" H (15.9 cm x 21.6 cm)

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

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#165050

Professionally repaired and restored. Figure's face has small areas of infill and overpainting to eyes, ears, and nose. Restoration to body of vessel below base of handle. Chips to rim. Scattered mineral deposits and burnishing marks.