**Originally Listed At $450**

Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 500 to 800 CE. An impressively rendered blackware ceramic vessel depicting Ai Apec, the supreme deity of the Moche peoples, in low relief on the upper face, standing proudly and holding a gigantic bicephalic (two-headed) serpent and surrounded by numerous snakes arranged in a balanced, symmetrical composition. Ai Apec was revered as the supreme creator god (in fact, the word Aiapaec means "doer" in Mochica) whose throne is usually positioned upon a high mountain as he was believed to be the son of the mountain god. While the "creator" he was simultaneously regarded as a fierce deity and also called the Decapitator or the Headsman. Here he is depicted with some of his characteristic traits and attributes including an anthropomorphic face with a feline/jaguar mouth replete with fangs, slithering snakes to either side, some perhaps emerging from his hair or helmet. A fabulous example that boasts expert technique and artistry as well as extensive iconographical details. Size: 6.125" in diameter x 6.75" H (15.6 cm x 17.1 cm)

Provenance: private California, USA collection

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#135221

Tiny chips to rim. Normal surface wear commensurate with age. Earthen deposits in areas and there is some sediment within the vessel.