Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, Phase IV, ca. 500 to 650 CE. A gorgeous example of a pottery stirrup vessel depicting the head of a fierce jaguar. Presented in hues of citrine, burnt sienna, cream, and brick-red, this highly burnished feline features protruding ovoid eyes beneath heavy lids, a curved snout with a petite nose, puffy jowls and chin painted with slender red whiskers, tab-shaped ears, and a gaping maw filled with fangs and a thick tongue. The cat's countenance rests upon a tapered foot and has a stirrup-shaped handle with a cylindrical spout emanating from the top of its skull. A fine feline vessel from the ancient Moche! Size: 7.5" W x 11.5" H (19 cm x 29.2 cm)

A nocturnal animal, the jaguar sleeps in caves and dark places and creeps quietly in the forest, evoking great mystery. Oddly enough, few Moche artists would have seen jaguars as they are not indigenous to the coast; jaguars prefer moist forest conditions. However, scholars believe that some cubs were transported over the mountains for Moche rituals, and it is also possible that some jaguars wandered down the coast.

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.

#166364

Professionally repaired and restored from several large pieces, with resurfacing and overpainting along new material and break lines. Minor abrasions and nicks to face, ears, base, handle, and spout, with a couple of small spalls, and light fading to original pigment. Great preservation of overall feline form. TL drill holes beneath base and behind proper right ear.