Pre-Columbian, North Coast of Peru, Casa Grande, Chavin culture, ca. 1200 to 900 BCE. A rare example of a hand-built pottery stirrup vessel depicting a seated shaman smoking a pipe. The detailing on this piece is incredible for its age, from the skillfully rendered visage, to the intricately adorned headdress, and the delicate stippling covering the top of the vessel body. A tubular handle rises from the verso with a strap handle arching between it and the figure's back. The smoking figure symbolizes a ruler or chief who is beckoning his ancestral spirits to protect his people. Size: 5.5" L x 5" W x 7.375" H (14 cm x 12.7 cm x 18.7 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010; ex-Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany

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#179905

Professionally repaired with restoration to some areas of body and figure, and with resurfacing and overpainting along new material and break lines. Abrasions and minor softening to some finer details, with light earthen deposits, and fading to surface pigment, otherwise in great condition. Previous inventory label beneath base.