Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche II/III, ca. 100 BCE to 200 CE. Warriors and warrior activities were among the Moche artists' favorite subjects. On this bi-chrome terracotta vessel, the sculptor presents an individual dressed in a tunic and presenting a serious visage comprised of inset wide-open eyes, a protruding nose, pursed lips, and face paint, holding two captives, of a relatively diminutive scale, one dangling over each shoulder, both stripped of their weapons and headdress. The objective of Moche combat was to capture the opponent for ritual sacrifice rather than actually kill the opponent during battle, and defeat was indicated via the loss of a warrior's headdress as we see in this example. Size: 5.375" W x 7.75" H (13.7 cm x 19.7 cm)

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

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#121073

Underside of base is abraded. Chip to rim of spout. Some wax drippings on right side of body, presumably from a dripping candle.