Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru, North Coast, Chimu-Inca culture, ca. 1470-1532 CE. Large canteen-shaped, blackware pottery vessel with a wide, flaring spout, and five suspension lugs on the shoulder of each side of the spout. What sets this vessel apart is that it assumes the form of a Spondylus shell. The artisan impressed the surface with appliqués of countless spines of the shell so that the entire canteen resembles this sacred shell. In addition, a petite appliqué of a complete Spondylus shell form adorns each side. The Spondylus shell was native to Ecuador which during this period was encompassed by the Inca Empire. A sacred mythical shell of the Incas, divers gathered the Spondylus from the depths of the Pacific Ocean to create offerings to Pacha Mama during sacrifice rituals. The Spondylus carries numerous symbolic meanings. A symbol of fertility and elite social status, it was also believed to be an omen of rain, warning the indigenous of El Nino. In fact, the Spondylus shell only appears when the water becomes warmer during December - the time of the El Nino current - immediately before the rainy season. Beyond this rich iconographic program, this vessel's painstakingly burnished blackware finish is paramount! 13"T x 9"W x 7"D Provenance: Ex-Catherine Sobredo Collection, Santa Fe, NM acquired mid-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.

  • Condition: Minor wear on edge of spout. Else intact and near choice condition!

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May 21, 2014 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000