Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 100 to 700 CE. A mold-made bi-chrome terracotta vessel in the form of an owl warrior holding a mace and a shield, presenting finely delineated features adorned in a cream-on-red palette. The figure is replete with details: large lidded eyes set within orb-shaped tufts of feathering, a prominent beak, grand wings adorned by striated plumage, a beaded necklace, armlets, and a tunic-like garment. The owl is frequently associated in South American iconography with the underworld, death, and shamanism. The Moche had a particular affinity for the animal, depicting multiple species, including the barn owl, typical owl, burrowing owl, and spectacle owl. Owls represented gods, warriors, sacrifices, and shamans. An anthropomorphic owl was also the chief supernatural warrior of Moche mythology. Size: 4.5" L x 5.125" W x 7.25" H (11.4 cm x 13 cm x 18.4 cm)

Provenance: ex-Hilja K. Herfurth collection, Denver, Colorado, USA

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#147244

  • Condition: Chips to rim, top of nose, and periphery of base. Expected surface wear with minor scuffs and abrasions commensurate with age, but in overall very good condition.

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July 25, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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