Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chavin culture, Tembladera phase, ca. 800 to 500 BCE. A remarkable mold-made pottery stirrup vessel presenting a double-chamber body in the form of a conch shell and a spondylus shell. Skillfully formed, one face of the conch shell is rounded and incised with a spiral to represent the apex of the shell, while the opposite face is pointed to create the siphonal canal and the partially risen side indicates the shell's outer lip. Alternatively, the spondylus shell features characteristic spiky ridges. Boasting a lustrous burnish over black and cream paints, the ancient vessel has been intricately detailed by hand, exhibiting decorative zigzag motifs on the conch shell and a horizontal band around the spondylus shell. Given its size and fine decoration, this vessel was likely created to hold fermented corn beer or chicha cherished by the ancients of the Chavin culture - "the mother civilization of the Andes" that is oftentimes compared to the Olmec in Mexico in terms of artistic inspiration for later periods. Size: 8.5" L x 5.75" W x 8.25" H (21.6 cm x 14.6 cm x 21 cm)

Shells were associated with the primordial sea and the Pre-Columbian world's mythical beginnings. In addition, shells were linked to breath, wind, and moisture. Just as beach lovers today often claim to hear the sounds of the ocean when they press a shell to their ears, the ancients of the Americas considered shells to deliver the sounds, moisture, and aromas of the ocean. This is why shells were associated with music and sound; used as trumpets or to create rattles on dance costumes, their spiraled forms were also used as the models for popular wave motifs.

Spondylus shells, also known as spiny or thorny oysters for obvious reasons, have been revered by Andean peoples since the Pre-Columbian era. In addition to being featured in their artwork and used as currency, Spondylus pieces served as sacred offerings to Pachamama, the earth/time mother, a version of Mother Nature. The Spondylus shell carries numerous symbolic meanings. A symbol of fertility and elite social status, it was also believed to be an omen of rain, warning the indigenous of El Nino. In fact, the Spondylus shell only appears when the water becomes warmer during December - the time of the El Nino current - immediately before the rainy season.

This pottery vessel is an example of a skeuomorph, the representation of one material, in this case shells, made with another, in this case pottery. The ancients frequently played with this idea, modeling clay vessels or stone works in the forms of gourds, plants, or shells like this example. The resulting form would then embody the symbolism of a more perishable medium, but translate it into a stronger medium.

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

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#162989

Collection label on base. Repaired from several pieces with restoration over break lines and possible restoration to rim. Otherwise, excellent with impressive remaining pigment and detail.