Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, Phase IV, ca. 500 to 700 CE. An enticing pottery stirrup vessel depicting Ai Apec - the primary deity of the Moche peoples - standing amongst a plethora of mountainous peaks, perhaps representing cobs of corn, as a 2 serpents project forward from his headdress. Sitting with hands on knees, the fierce god piercingly stares forward with wide, bulging eyes, a curved nose, and a snarling mouth revealing sharp fangs. He wears a knee-length tunic, a broad collar necklace, and annular earspools as each body of his serpentine companions sinuously slither around the tapered pecks at his back. A tubular stirrup spout rises from the verso, while all is highlighted in rich hues of russet red and creamy yellow. Size: 8" L x 6.3" W x 7" H (20.3 cm x 16 cm x 17.8 cm)

Provenance: from the private collection of John A. Buxton of "Antiques Roadshow," Dallas, Texas, USA, acquired before 2003; Mr. Buxton has been an appraiser with "Antiques Roadshow" since its first season in 1997

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#179752

Professionally repaired with restoration and repainting over break lines. Some chipping to slip with nicks and abrasions in areas. Otherwise, nice presentation and good remaining pigments.