Pre-Columbian, Peru (North Coast), Moche Culture, ca. 100 to 700 CE. This is a fun, well-designed stirrup vessel made in the shape of a proud warrior with a bat costume - the Moche precursor to Bruce Wayne, perhaps? The figure has his mouth open as if he is yelling or singing; he holds a rattle and a drum. He has a large cream-colored necklace and wears a headdress with bat-like ears and a large, flat crest; this is clearly strapped around his chin. His most notable feature are his wings, which extend out to the size, with a clear cream-painted framework. This person and uniform that this figure is based on must have been amazing to see on the battlefield or in a procession! This vessel was probably used for drinking chicha, a fermented corn beer, at feasts. Size: 7.25" L x 6.75" W x 8.5" H (18.4 cm x 17.1 cm x 21.6 cm)

Provenance: Ex-California Museum of Ancient Art

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#115245

Intact, with wear/fading to paint, but clear details.