Lot 141A
Pre-Columbian, Peru (North Coast), Moche Culture, ca. 100 to 700 CE. This is an interesting, intact example of one of the classic forms of pre-Columbian pottery -- the Moche stirrup vessel, using the shape of a seated human body and attaching a handle to create a ceremonial drinking vessel. This is a "sleeping warrior" style vessel, with the figure shown in a hunched position, eyes closed, head tilted as if they have dropped off. They wear a large headdress and earrings and some kind of body covering poncho or robe with decoration. This shape of vessel is one imbued with symbolic meaning; the "sleeping" warrior is mirrored in stirrup jars that are shaped like female priestesses, so it seems likely that they are actually people in a mind-altered state and therefore in contact with the gods. A vessel like this would most likely have been created for a member of the elite and placed in their tomb as a grave offering to demonstrate their wealth as they began their journey into the afterlife. See the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a similar "Sleeping Warrior" Moche stirrup jar. Size: 6" L x 3.9" W x 7.5" H (15.2 cm x 9.9 cm x 19 cm)
Provenance: Ex-California Museum of Ancient Art
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#115226
- Condition: Intact aside from a small chip to the spout; with much original pigment remaining.
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