Pre-Columbian, Andean region, Santa Ana Chavin-Salinar transitional, ca. 500 BCE. A very rare and beautiful bichrome pottery stirrup vessel, the body of a quasi-piriform shape, the substantial stirrup with a nicely delineated lip, and most intriguingly, the walls decorated with an appliqued stylized bird motif on both faces of the vessel, the avian form presented in composite profile (the head in strict profile, the body frontally) with concentric circular forms occupying most of the head (suggesting an oversized, all-seeing eye) and that same motif detailing the body, lively curvilinear appliques emerging from the peripheries to denote the beak, a crest of feathers, wings, and legs. Each bird is surrounded by a symmetrical, curvilinear 'frame', and four sinuous forms, perhaps representing serpents (maybe even the double-headed bicephalic variant) adorn the areas between the birds, just beneath each side of the stirrup. The fact that there are four snakes on each side may signify the four giant Chicchans of the Mayan zodiac residing at the four points of the compass. All is finished in a bichrome scheme of orange and cream that is meticulously burnished and has developed manganese blooms over time. In the Pre-Columbian world, birds were revered as sky animals that symbolized stellar forms - the sun, moon, and Venus - and served as messengers between humankind and the celestial deities. The thirteen celestial deities all presented winged disguises, and all were birds with the exception of the butterfly. Snakes also possessed layered, symbolic meanings. The bicephalic serpent (or dragon) was a signifier of high rank in various Pre-Columbian world views. These two-headed beasts were regarded as sky bands that arched over the earth or surrounded the seas serving as a passageway for the planets and stars of the celestial realm. This motif decorated wares associated with individuals of high rank, thus associating them with the powers of this mighty creature. Beyond this, even the singular serpent is a fascinating element of Pre-Columbian iconography as it was regarded to be a beneficial source of nourishment and at the same time quite deadly with its poisonous venom. Also important to the indigenous was the fact that snakes shed their skin annually thus rejuvenating themselves and serving as symbols of renewal and good health. Once again, an incredibly early and rare example of a Santa Ana Chavin-Salinar transitional vessel, replete with impressive artistry and technique as well as magical imagery inspired by the natural world. Size: 5" in diameter x 8.75" H (12.7 cm x 22.2 cm)

Provenance: Ex-van Dijk collection acquired in the 1980's

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#117798

Liberal manganese deposits on surface, else quite excellent.