**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Peru, likely Nazca culture, ca. 100 to 500 CE. A dried gourd vessel with an elongated shape and rounded bottom, ideal for resting upright in a sandy surface- and while there are many examples of ceramic gourd shaped vessels, an actual gourd is a rarity! The dark exterior is stippled, covering the lower base / midsection and around the opening. The central shoulder register contains a repeating abstract zoomorphic form with spindly out stretched limbs and circular eyes. The stippling was probably created using via the pyro-engraving process and darkened simultaneously. Size: 9.5" L x 5" Diameter (24.1 cm x 12.7 cm)

Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-private Arkansas, USA collection, via descent in 2021; ex-private Florida estate, USA, acquired from the 1960s to 1970s

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#171657

Minor surface abrasions on exterior and natural bumps from gourd skin. Patina and areas of darker staining. Loose mineral and earthen encrustations on interior. Intact and excellent.