Lot 89
Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chavin culture, Tembladera phase, ca. 1200 to 1000 BCE. An intriguing example of a hand-built and highly burnished pottery vessel with a planar base, a bulbous body shaped like a human thigh, shin, and foot, a stirrup-shaped handle with broad corners, and a cylindrical spout with a flared lip. The brown-hued vessel is presented in the form of a trophy leg that would occasionally be taken from an enemy combatant along with their head. Incised along the body and shoulder are a trio of abstract jaguar-human heads bearing rectangular eyes, curled noses and ears, and gaping, toothy mouths. From each maw emits a flowing life force trail that merges with the back of the next head and represents the interconnectedness of all living beings. The incised decorations are further embellished with red cinnabar pigment that stands out nicely against the coffee-colored body. Size: 6.125" W x 7.625" H (15.6 cm x 19.4 cm)
The Chavin people lived in the northern Highland Andes, and their capital, Chavin de Huantar, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The artwork of Chavin represents the first widespread artistic style in the Andes. The center of Chavin de Huantar is a massive, flat-topped pyramid, surrounded by lower platforms. Between 1200 and 500 BCE the pyramid space was used for religious ceremonies. The Old Temple, constructed very early in the history of the site, consists of a series of passageways built around a circular courtyard; within were carved stone monuments showing jaguars, serpents, and other figures with transformative and/or anthropomorphic figures.
The stirrup vessel form is named for the stirrup for horseback riding. In addition to being iconographically rich, these vessels were also practical. Their narrow openings prevented rapid evaporation of the precious liquid within - a great advantage given the extremely dry deserts of Peru. Note also that the shape of the neck made it easy to carry. Two stirrup vessels could be tied to the ends of a cord and suspended over a llama's back or a person's shoulder.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from the 1950s and 1960s
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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#153229
- Condition: Professionally repaired from multiple pieces, with restoration to areas of base, foot, body, and spout, and resurfacing and overpainting along new material and break lines. Minor abrasions to base, body, handle, and spout, with fading and touch-up paint in some areas of red cinnabar pigment, and softening to some incised details. Light earthen deposits throughout and nice traces of original incised details on body.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |