Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, Period III, ca. 350 to 550 CE. A charming pottery stirrup vessel in the form of a jaguar, hand-painted with a spotted back and striped tail and limbs. Seated with knees drawn up, the figure's sizable head displays a round nose, huge, feline eyes, and a gaping mouth exposing petite fangs and an extended tongue, all crowned by a pair of perky ears. The ancient animal exhibits an intriguing pose with front legs bent at the elbows and paws projecting forward, as though about to pounce, while a tubular stirrup spout rises from the verso. Size: 6" W x 8.3" H (15.2 cm x 21.1 cm)

The jaguar symbolized power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this king of beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World. The principal Moche god wears a headdress adorned with a jaguar head and paws and important mortals donned similar headdresses. 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.

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#173417

Professionally repaired with restoration and repainting in areas. Stable hairline fissure to base. Some nicks, chips, and areas of fire-darkening, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent presentation with nice remaining pigments.