Description:

Pre-Columbian, north coast Peru, Moche culture, Phase IV, ca. 500 to 700 CE. A fascinating pottery stirrup vessel in the form of a figure who has survived leishmaniasis, a disease caused by protozoan parasites and transmitted by the bite of certain species of sand fly, causing him to lose his nose. Wearing a turban-like headdress, he gazes forth from heavy lidded eyes above an absent nose, an open mouth baring gritted teeth, and a projecting chin. He kneels before the viewer wearing a tunic and loincloth, while carrying a stirrup vessel - how meta! - and another vessel or musical instrument. Remains of black-painted figures are additionally painted on his left knee. Moche artists emphasized naturalistic portrayals of the world they witnessed around them, including a range of maladies, as seen here. Scholars believe that, to the Moche, such deformities were regarded as signs that these individuals were chosen by the deities themselves for a higher purpose. Size: 7.1" L x 5.3" W x 8.9" H (18 cm x 13.5 cm x 22.6 cm)

Cf. Logan Museum of Anthropology at Beloit College (15979) and University of Missouri Museum of Art and Archeology (73.241).

Provenance: ex-private Dunn collection, Ferndale, Michigan, USA, acquired prior to 2004

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#182052

  • Condition: Professionally repaired and restored with repainting over break lines; all done very well and difficult to notice. Some nicks to surface commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent presentation with nice remaining pigments.

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November 9, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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