Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Chimu, ca. 1000 to 1400 CE. A mold-made blackware stirrup vessel in the form of a shaman transforming to a monkey, wearing a tumi-shaped headdress and a collar or pectoral adorned with birds. Monkeys were highly symbolic among the ancients of the Americas. The indigenous peoples were fascinated by the physical antics of these animals and viewed them as parodying human behavior. Birds were understood as sky animals representing the celestial realm that served as mediators between humankind and the deities. Size: 6.5" L x 5.5" W x 8" H (16.5 cm x 14 cm x 20.3 cm)

The Chimu civilization developed after the Moche, flourishing from 1000 to 1400 CE, during the Late Intermediate Period, prior to the rise of the Inca Empire, and Chimu artisans were heavily influenced by the Moche. Stirrup vessels were the prominent ceramic form of the ancients of Peru, and they provide a window onto the religion, rituals, socio-economics and every day life of these Pre-Columbian cultures. All aspects of life were depicted on these vessels: naturalistic plants and animals, anthropomorphized animals that often represented deities, portraits, scenes of daily life ranging from the erotic to the sacrificial to the militaristic.

Provenance: Guy Waters collection, Clearwater, Florida, USA, acquired over the last forty years

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#125074

Normal surface wear commensurate with age, but imagery is still clear.