Pre-Columbian, northern Peru, Sican / Lambayeque valley, ca. 800 to 1100 CE. A rare pottery stirrup jar showing strong Moche influence. The male figure sits with hands placed upon upraised knees, leaning forward with a solemn expression and donning a tall conical headdress and round ear ornaments. The handle features a petite simian creature perched at the juncture of the stirrup and emerging vertical spout. Monkeys have always fascinated humankind, with their playful antics that seem to mirror and at times parody humans. Understanding simian creatures as mimics of human culture, most ancients of the Americas also regarded the monkey as a mediary between man and the supernatural. A lovely vessel with intriguing subject matter and nice remains of red, white, and black pigment. Size: 5.875" L x 7.875" H (14.9 cm x 20 cm)

Provenance: private S.W. collection, Los Angeles, California, USA

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#125173

Repaired from three to five pieces - repairs to spout and body. Chip to rim of spout and surface wear with pigment loss commensurate with age. Still an intriguing example with interesting iconography.