Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche/Mochica, ca. 400 to 600 CE. A bichrome anthropomorphic whistling stirrup vessel created by the Moche culture depicting a seated male figure, likely a shaman, with his hands placed upon his upraised knees, donning a cream colored headdress that reveals his combed coiffure and a long tunic. He stares straight ahead through his openwork eyes as if in a trance. In this example the artisan used a red and cream hued color scheme favored by the Moche, the red being applied with red clay slip, a fine clay with oxide pigments that, when fired, bring out a brilliant color. Note how naturalistic the visage of this figure appears. Clearly the artisan borrowed the distinct penchant of Mochica ceramicists for realism most evident in their portrait vessels. A wonderful example and it whistles as well! Size: 9-1/4"H x 7-1/4"L.

Stirrup spout vessels reached their high point with the Moche culture, which flourished during the Early Intermediate period from approximately 100 BCE through 800 CE where a vast array and large quantities of these ceramics were produced. The Moche or Mochica employed a wide variety of techniques to create vessels ranging from the most basic and utilitarian to finely painted pots and carefully molded portrait vessels that display wonderful artistic expression. These objects manifest a remarkable range of design representing men, women, animals, plants, deities and anthropomorphized figures pursuing a multitude of activities. From hunting and fishing to sexual acts and elaborate ceremonies, Mochica art represents mythology, ritual and the daily life of the people. A distinguishing aspect of Moche pottery, particularly of the portrait vessels, is the realism of the art making it clear that the portraits are of specific individuals.

Provenance: Ex-private Providence, RI collection.

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#109079

Whistle functions. Some loss to cream slip as shown and resurfacing of handle which was most likely reattached. Nice root markings and manganese deposits.