Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche IV, ca. 200 to 500 CE. Impressive for both its artistry and intriguing iconographical content, this polychrome (red, orange, and white) Moche IV stirrup vessel depicts an individual whose lips and nose have been consumed by the flesh-eating disease known as "leishmenaisis." He wears a head covering with macehead ornaments, but all that's left of his visage are vacant eyes, a down-turned mouth bearing upper teeth, and nasal cavities - truly a ghostly, skin and bones presence. He sits upon a white cloud-like form with a cadaverous skull emerging from one side and an owl from the other, holding a bichrome red and orange mask with an abstract, somber visage in this hands. The skull of course is a metaphor for the macabre, forecasting this poor soul's fate. The owl was widely symbolic in the Pre-Columbian world, regarded as a Shamanic nocturnal bird of prey who could guide humans on their journeys to the afterlife upon death. As nocturnal creatures, they were also revered for ensuring that the sun would rise again the following day. A fascinating stirrup vessel, telling of a horrific flesh-eating disease transmitted via parasites that caused skin ulcers, mucocutaneous ulcers, and/or the "Black Fever" - and furthering our understanding of the Pre-Columbian world's obsession with death and the macabre. Size: 6" W x 7.25" H (15.2 cm x 18.4 cm)

Provenance: Ex-private Thousand Oaks, CA collection

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#118423

Loss to tip of owl's beak. Stable pressure cracks to base and area bordering base and section beneath owl. Minor chips to rim. Some surface wear with slip losses to stirrup and other areas as shown.