Pre-Columbian, northern Peru, Moche III, ca. 400 to 500 CE. A superb orangeware portrait stirrup vessel depicting the solemn visage of a noble or warrior with wide open, inset almond-shaped eyes, a pronounced, curved nose, well-defined, pursed lips, and carefully modeled facial planes and contours - even the philtrum (vertical groove running from nasal septum to upper lip) is somewhat defined. The Moche were perhaps the only ancient culture in the Americas to produce such vessels. The sculptor's intent was to present a very realistic depiction, and interestingly, scholars have been able to follow the progression of age and rank of several of individuals portrayed in pottery. One particular face, easily identified because of his cut lip, appears in more than forty Moche pottery vessels. In their own way, these people were like rock stars of the day, portrayed by their own paparazzi. A wonderful example, remarkably lifelike with naturalistic features and a steadfast gaze. Size: 5" W x 9.375" H (12.7 cm x 23.8 cm)

Provenance: Ex- Collection of the late Peter Arnovick, San Francisco, CA

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#121072

Loss to tip of spout as shown. Otherwise intact and excellent with areas of manganese deposits.