Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, Phase IV, ca. 450 to 550 CE. A splendid hand-built pottery stirrup vessel with a bichrome finish in hues of umber and cream that displays a fascinating avian iconography! The vessel rests on a flat, circular base, and the body rises to a sharply carinated center. Atop is a low relief pattern of a spiraling star shape with 7 bird heads emerging from the tip of each arm. The relief pattern is painted with a deep red-brown hue. Perched on the star is a large bird, likely an eagle or even condor. His head juts forward displaying a hooked beak and large eyes. A stirrup handle and spout arch from his back to the shoulder of the vessel. In the Pre-Columbian world, birds were sky animals associated with the sun, the moon, and all the celestial elements. As flying creatures, birds served as messengers between humans and the sacred deities of the celestial realm. A beautiful vessel with striking symbolism! Size: 7" Diameter x 9" H (17.8 cm x 22.9 cm)

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

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#166367

Professionally restored and repaired. Eagle head reattached with hairline fissure visible around neck. Small cavity under tail and on star motif. Scattered manganese deposits. Nice retention of pigments.