Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Moche culture, Phase III/IV, ca. 300-400 CE. The Mochica are highly regarded for their ceramic art, in particular their figural stirrup vessels painted in bichrome or polychrome finishes representing humans engaged in various activities or portrait heads of individuals of high stature such as this example. Featured here is the face of a noble warrior dressed as a fox or perhaps a shaman who has transformed into a fox. Note the impressively interpreted profile of his snout, his razor sharp teeth, and down-turned ears. Beyond these features, he dons an impressive textile band replete with striking abstract patterns and a rather large plug protruding from his head. The fox was highly revered by the Moche, but depictions featuring the fox are very rare, and as such quite desirable! 11"H x 8-1/2"D x 6-3/4"W at widest

Provenance: Ex-private WA state Collection acquired prior to 1975

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.

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  • Condition: Stable crack at tip of nose. Normal surface wear. Great manganese blooms. Intact and excellent to near choice.

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October 24, 2014 8:00 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