Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche II, ca. 100 BCE to 100 CE. A remarkable bi-chrome pottery stirrup vessel with twin panels, one on each side, depicting Ai Apec engaged in an action-packed battle with an underworld demon in low relief, hand-painted in rich red pigment against a cream-hued ground. Both figures brandish intimidating weapons - tumis and clubs - elaborate garb comprised of spotted jaguar coats, wing or fin-like projections at their backs, and curved tails - as well as impressive headdresses, Ai Apec's with a serpent, his opponent's with long, flowing plumes. Created during a time that preceded the age of cinema by almost 2,000 years, it is amazing that such iconography rivaled the violence, thrills, and heroic struggles of modern day action flicks! Size: 6.25" W x 8.875" H (15.9 cm x 22.5 cm)

Ai Apec was the creator god, the chief deity of the Moche (Mochica) culture. He provided water, food, and military triumphs to the Moche, but this powerful figure was also feared. Here, he bears the identifying marks associated with his iconography: feline fangs extending from his fierce mouth, projecting ridged points on his back, a spotted jaguar-inspired bodice, and a serpent headdress. A vessel like this would most likely have been created for a member of the elite and placed in their tomb as a grave offering to demonstrate their wealth as they began their journey into the afterlife.

Provenance: private Colorado Springs, CO USA collection, ex-private Sobredo collection

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#121889

Expected surface wear with minor pigment loss, overall excellent.