Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chavin-Cupisnique, ca. 700 to 500 BCE. Wow! An impressive brownware stirrup vessel with a squat, carinated body, and a classic stirrup handle and spout. The rounded, flat bottomed body contains four incised motifs of trophy heads and crossed lines along the side of the body below the carinated edge. The top of the body contains two additional incised trophy heads. These stylized visages present in profile with bared teeth, rounded ears, rectangular eyes, and a stubby nose. Head-taking was a significant component of ancient Peruvian warfare and religious mythology. A warrior could increase his might and status by capturing prisoners for head-taking. The surface of this vessel presents with a lovely umber hue and darker burnishing marks. Size: 5" Diameter x 6.5" H (12.7 cm x 16.5 cm)

The Chavin people lived in the northern Highland Andes, and their capital, Chavin de Huantar, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The artwork of Chavin represents the first widespread artistic style in the Andes. The stirrup vessel form is named for the stirrup for horseback riding. In addition to being rich in iconography, 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 neck 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.

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

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#162827

Professionally repaired with restoration to the handle, spout, and rim. Repairs are well done and nearly indiscernible. Nice burnishing marks and details are well preserved.