Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche 4, Classic Period, ca. 100 to 700 CE. A dramatic effigy jar depicting a royal sacrificial prisoner of war sitting cross legged, wearing a tunic decorated with a bichrome swirling wave pattern in low relief, black stockings/shoes/tattoos on his legs and feet, but nothing else covering his lower body as his penis is prominently revealed, and finally, an owl head on his head ornament as he represents a King-Priest. In the Pre-Columbian world, the owl was understood to be a messenger to the afterlife, as this nocturnal bird of prey has the ability to see through darkness! The prisoner's hands are tied behind his back, and he has a rope tied around his neck that falls drapes over his torso in a sinuous manner as if mimicking the movement of a snake! Note how his face shows an expression of utter resignation. Quite a dramatic piece! Size: 5.625" W x 8.875" H (14.3 cm x 22.5 cm)

Provenance: ex-Baker collection, New Mexico, USA

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#124653

Minor losses to top rim, as shown. Overall excellent with normal surface wear.