Lot 86
Pre-Columbian, north coast of Peru, Chavin, Jequetepeque-Tembladera valley, ca. 700 to 400 BCE. A fascinating ancient blackware vessel in the form of a fish with a stirrup handle rising from its rounded back that ends in a long, slightly flared spout. The body of the fish is broad, with large, almost human-like eyes that look like raised buttons, tiny nostrils formed of concentric circles, a small mouth, and a heart-shaped face that contributes to its almost anthropomorphic appearance. The tail and fins - each raised from the body - are charmingly diminutive, and spaced evenly around the tail and head. Two bands of incised curves down the sides create an impression of scales. The surface has been polished to a beautiful black sheen. Size: 11.05" W x 9" H (28.1 cm x 22.9 cm)
This vessel reveals a fascinating fact about the Chavin: even though they lived in the uplands, 50 kilometers inland, fish and shellfish were some of their major protein sources. They created wide-ranging trade networks with people located along the coast, and both subsistence and luxury goods were exhanged between the lowlands and the highlands. Coastal cemeteries far from the Chavin center contain vessels like this one created in Chavin and traded for food.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private H. J. Westermann collection, Germany
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#136622
- Condition: Intact! Light surface wear, pitting, and encrustation. Iridescent patina on surface.
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