Pre-Columbian, South Coast Peru, Nazca, ca. 100 to 400 CE. A polychrome figural vessel with fantastic iconography comprised of an elaborately dressed seated lord/warrior with a wild animal skin wrap on his back, the snarling bloodthirsty zoomorphic visage probably representing a jaguar or a wolf, bearing incised/painted teeth, protruding in high relief - all in a beautiful color palette of red, grey, creamy beige, caramel brown, and black hues. The figure's loin cloth/wrap is also made of an animal skin, most likely the spotted coat of a jaguar. The man's low relief arms with finely painted fingered hands meet over his abdomen; in his clutches is a textile sash from which the animal head emerges on his back. Adorning the man's head is an elaborate headdress with an intertwining sinuous form, perhaps representing a double serpent motif. The figure's visage is focused with almond-shaped eyes, arched brows, a protruding nose, and an open mouth with parted lips, as if voicing a ritualistic chant. Size: 5.125" W x 7.875" H (13 cm x 20 cm)

The jaguar symbolized power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this king of beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World. In fact, the principal Moche god wears a headdress adorned with a jaguar head and paws and important mortals donned similar headdresses. A nocturnal animal, the jaguar sleeps in caves and dark places and creeps quietly in the forest, evoking great mystery. Oddly enough, few ancient Andean artists would have actually scene jaguars as they are not indigenous to the coast. Jaguars prefer moist forest conditions. However, scholars believe that some cubs were transported over the mountains for rituals and it is also possible that some jaguars wandered down the coast.

The bicephalic serpent 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.

Provenance: private Poway, California, USA collection, acquired from The Lands Beyond, New York City 2010

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#121892

Intact with minor surface wear and areas of pigment loss.