Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, late Phase 1 to Phase 2, ca. 250 to 400 CE. A charming example of a hand-built pottery vessel in the form of a seated Muscovy duck. Highly burnished and adorned with pale orange and red-orange pigment, the avian creature presents with petite feet poking out from beneath its plump body, folded wings with incised striations suggestive of feathers, and a perky tail protruding from the verso. The raised head rests upon a thick neck and stares past its veristic beak with downcast ovoid eyes. A stirrup-shaped handle arches between the head and spine, and a squat, cylindrical spout with a gently sloped rim protrudes from the middle. Size: 7.375" L x 4.3" W x 7.6" H (18.7 cm x 10.9 cm x 19.3 cm)

The Moche domesticated the Muscovy duck and used it for feathers; feathers were a symbol of the elite. The males of the species are frequently aggressive, and this drew the attention of the Moche, making the animal a special symbol for warriors. The Lord of Sipan was buried with ear spools decorated with Muscovy ducks, perhaps to emphasize his status as a great ruler and a powerful warrior.

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

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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.

#166054

Minor nicks to rim, body, head, and base, with light pitting and abrasions, and gentle fading to pigment in scattered areas, otherwise intact and very good. Great preservation to avian form. TL drill holes beneath tail and behind head beneath handle base.