Pre-Columbian, North Coast of Peru, Chavin culture, ca. 500 to 300 BCE. A delightful pottery vessel boasting a unique, organic form of 4 bulbous nodes surmounted by 4 high crests, each incised with stylized images of disembodied heads. All crowned by pointed spikes, the heads are each shown in profile with a scroll motif nose, a sizeable eye, and down-turned lips. A few are additionally embellished with plumes or headdresses. A broad, cylindrical stirrup spout rises from 2 crests of the dish, doubling as a handle. Size: 7" Diameter x 9.5" H (17.8 cm x 24.1 cm)

Disembodied heads are a theme in pre-Columbian indigenous Andean art, leading many to believe that they correspond to the taking of trophy heads from enemies. Recently, however, some evidence has emerged that to the Chavin they may have represented sacred offerings. For example, excavations from the Chavin period have revealed ritualized burials of skulls belonging to males, females, and children, interred with fruit and ceramics. This is in strong contrast to the older, nearby archaeological site of Cerro Sechin, where disembodied skulls all belonged to males, and nearby artwork showed dripping entrails and other body parts. For the Chavin, faces like these may have been gifts to the gods rather than trophies of war.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, before 2010; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, acquired in the 1950s to 1960s

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#173728

Professionally repaired with restoration and repainting in areas. A few nicks to surface and expected softening of incised details. Otherwise, very nice with lustrous burnishing.