Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chimu, ca. 1100 to 1470 CE. An impressive blackware stirrup effigy vessel in the form of a stingray. Sculptors of the ancient Americas depicted powerful sea predators such as stingrays, sharks, and killer whales as they were associated with warfare and military might. In this example, the vessel depicts the threatening form of a stingray with an expressive, perhaps human, visage comprised of round bulging eyes, a straight nose, and horizontal slit mouth on one side of the stirrup and a stingray snout or rostrum delineated on the other side. The outspread fins are incised with fine striations. The stingray was sensibly feared by Andean humankind as its dorsal spine became a lethal weapon when this sea creature was provoked. In addition, stingray spines which had a sharp edge and poisonous venom were highly valued as blood letters used during sacrificial rituals. The bloodletting practice was believed to sustain the cosmos. Hence the stingray embodied a characteristic Pre-Columbian duality as it was both deadly and at the same time life affirming. Marvelous for its displayed technique, highly symbolic iconography, and overall artistry, this unusual stingray/human effigy vessel is quite special. Size: 5.75" L x 7.75" W x 7.5" H (14.6 cm x 19.7 cm x 19 cm)

Provenance: Ex - Dr. Peter Arnovik Collection, California; Ex-Arte Primitivo, NYC.

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#115510

Stable pressure crack on one fin. Small nicks to rim. Chips to snout and tip of one fin. Possible repair to stirrup. Overall a fine example that shows very well.