South America, North Coast Peru, Inca, early Spanish Colonial Period, ca. 1532 to 1572 CE. A fascinating, mold-made pottery jar presenting the scene of 3 figures and a monkey amongst mountains, all surmounted by a flared spout and sitting upon a flat, circular base. Enveloped in a lustrous black slip, the intriguing piece displays 3 mountains with 2 stylized human figures between them as though attempting to climb over and then a smaller human figure standing atop a conch-like seashell below. The petite figure faces left with hands to his face as a serpentine like river arches on the ground in front of his shell. A large monkey is depicted descending from the spout and facing downwards. Size: 6.8" W x 8.7" H (17.3 cm x 22.1 cm)

Mountains played an important role in Incan mythology as it was believed humans were created from corn kernels that were scattered across the Paxil mountains by the gods. All of the important mountains had their own god or spirit named Apu and most mountains were regarded as sacred objects called wak'a or huaca.

Provenance: private Stillwater, Minnesota, USA collection; ex-Artemis Gallery, Louisville, Colorado, USA, February 24, 2022, lot 16A; ex-private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private lifetime collection of Dr. Saul Tuttman and Dr. Gregory Siskind, New York, New York, USA, acquired in the 1980s

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#182301

Professionally repaired with restoration over break lines and some expected surface wear as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent presentation with light earthen deposits in recessed areas.