Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chavin, ca. 600 BCE. A stupendous example of the early monochrome stirrup vessels found in the mountains and river valleys of northern Peru. Characteristic of the Chavin is the large stirrup spout and stone polished surfaces. This beautiful vessel depicts two San Pedro cactii plants in high relief with incised lobes and stippled patterns to represent the cactus thorns. The branches of the San Pedro cactus contain a hallucinogenic substance that the ancients used for traditional medicine and rituals. A stunning example from this very early culture of the Americas. Size: 5.75" W x 7.125" H (14.6 cm x 18.1 cm)

The stirrup vessel form is named for the stirrups of horseback riding. In addition to being iconographically rich, these vessels were also practical. Their narrow openings prevented rapid evaporation of the precious liquid within - a great advantage given the extremely dry deserts of Peru. Note also that the shape of the handle made it easy to carry. Two stirrup vessels could be tied to the ends of a cord and suspended over a llama's back or a person's shoulder.

The Chavin civilization is generally regarded as the Andean mother civilization - oftentimes compared to the Olmec of Mexico. Both the Chavin and the Olmec cultures created the earliest Pre-Columbian visual culture that continued to flourish until European contact in the 16th century. Using molds and modeling the forms by hand, the Chavin made numerous stirrup-spout vessels like this example. Scholars have suggested that the indigenous used them to store fermented corn beer known as "chicha".

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: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950 to 1960s

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#161494

TL drill holes on base and underside of decoration. Minute nicks to rim of spout. Normal surface wear commensurate with age. Wonderful root marks.