Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche II, ca. 100 BCE to 100 CE. A wonderful bichrome vessel depicting Ai Apaec, the supreme deity of the Moche peoples, holding an intimidating club and wearing an impressive headdress adorned with twin jaguar heads over a spotted jaguar "pelt" ground, huge circular ear ornaments, a large crescent moon shaped nose ornament, and a tunic also adorned with jaguar spots as well as a collar and bottom trim of matching triangular motif, all in a stunning white on red bichrome finish. This deity 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 also called the Decapitator or the Headsman, hence he brandishes an indimidating weapon! Size: 4.75" W x 7" H (12.1 cm x 17.8 cm)

Provenance: Ex-California Museum of Ancient Art

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#115216

  • Condition: Probe holes on back side. Otherwise intact with areas of manganese deposits.

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January 19, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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