Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche I, ca. 100 to 200 CE. A superb example of a Moche pottery stirrup vessel depicting a lovely bivalve scallop shell (the upper section of this bivalve) with alternating red and cream striations. The perfectly symmetrical spout is finished in solid cream hues. Bivalves like this scallop shell are relatively rare in Moche visual culture and may have conveyed male-female and fertility symbolism associated with water. Size: 6.625" W x 7.375" H (16.8 cm x 18.7 cm)

The bottom of the vessel is signed "Guillermo Gutierrez" and "Koricancha" in black. Koricancha (also spelled Coricancha or Qorikancha) was the most important Inca temple that was for the most part destroyed during a 16th century war with the Spanish conquistadors.

Provenance: ex Webster collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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#126693

Normal surface wear commensurate with age. Repaired/restored probe hole that went from top to bottom of the vessel. A small area of restoration to the stirrup handle. Signed "Guillermo Gutierrez" and "Koricancha" on the bottom.