Pre-Columbian, Peru, northwestern coast, Moche culture, Phase V, ca. 650 to 850 CE. A delightful pottery stirrup vessel in the form of an elaborately dressed figure with a unique coiffure - a type of tonsured look indicating this is likely a foreigner - and seated with hands on lap. She wears a painted tunic with an incised sash covering her lap, and gazes forward with a lifelike countenance of huge eyes, a curved nose, and pursed lips. The stirrup spout of this vessel was greatly favored by indigenous people of Peru's northern coast; scholars posit that the configuration may have prevented evaporation of liquids, provided a convenient handle, and may have also held a symbolic importance, reflecting a belief in the importance of tinku, a Quechua term for convergence, such as the confluence of two rivers. Figural vessels were typically intricately adorned, as seen in this example, as their clothing and hairstyles served as important indicators of identity and social status. Size: 5.1" W x 8.4" H (13 cm x 21.3 cm)

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

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#174882

Professionally repaired with restoration in areas. Small chip to rim, as well as expected nicks and a few abrasions, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent presentation with nice preservation of detail and pigments. Great manganese blooms to surface.