Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 200 to 600 CE. A dramatic mold formed stirrup vessel depicting a predatory scene between a bird and an eel. The brownware vessel is hand built with the coiling eel forming the base that the bird perches upon. The bird is likely an eagle, a powerful symbol and avian fisherman; the talons grip the lower tail of the eel, and the slightly open beak pierces and connects to the eel's neck. The bird's wings are folded behind and the stirrup handle rises from the bird's back. The Moche depicted animal forms as metaphors for their own conquests of regional, neighboring cultural groups. This eagle or predatory bird perhaps represents the conquering Moche, and the eel in the bird's mouth represents a conquered enemy. A rare and highly imaginative example with zoomorphic symbolism! Size: 6.5" L x 7.75" H (16.5 cm x 19.7 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-Stein collection, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired prior to 2010

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#164092

Professionally repaired and restored. Restoration is well done and not easily discernable, with overpainting and infill to fissures. Eel tail and head are restored and reattached to body. Spout handle is reattached with restoration to the neck and mouth. Small chip to spout rim. TL hole on the base on the eels tail, and second TL hole on the bird under the tail.