Lot 91
Pre-Columbian, Peru, Moche IV (Classic Period), ca. 550 to 650 CE. A huge flared bowl with incredibly complex iconography, all red-on-white fineline paintings. Around the flared rim is a circle of different characters, animals, and plants. Similarly, around the exterior body is another ring of varied images. The underside of the rim, lower body, and interior of the bowl are all painted dark red, without further decoration. Moche iconography was designed to reinforce cultural ideas and themes as well as tell stories of the important figures and deities who shaped the Moche world; it seems likely that a Moche individual could look at this item and immediately discern the story being told. Size: 16.75" W x 9.75" H (42.5 cm x 24.8 cm)
On the rim, the artist has painted a series of stock Moche characters that reinforce themes of ritualized warfare: capturing enemies and preparing to sacrifice them. Starting with the figure wearing the checked armor and cape, this is probably a priest from the sacrifice ceremony. A fox is to his left. To his right is a warrior figure dressed in a fox pelt complete with tail. A bird flies next to him. They are separated from the next scene by a tall corn plant. In this next scene, two headdressed warriors hold large ceremonial tumis, which are associated with the ritual act of trepanation. Another fox is in the right of this scene. A tall cactus separates them from another caped figure who stands alone. A large corn plant is to his right, separating him from a scene of a warrior leading a tattooed, nude captive by the neck. A tall cactus is to his right.
Around the body of the vessel are very similar motifs. First, another probable sacrificial priest in his checked garb, with a bird flying beside him. Cacti are on either side of him. To his right is a warrior figure holding a short rope in one hand as if he has just handed over a captive to be sacrificed. A tall maize plant is to his right, followed by a fox, bird, and warrior dressed in what looks like fox pelts. The fox, one of the most common animals in Moche iconography, is associated with various symbolic functions related to ritual warfare and death. The plants are probably symbols of fertility.
This vessel represents the finest examples of Moche fineline painting, as in Moche IV, artists had access to the best brushes, slips, and accrued knowledge of those that had come before them. They also had a relatively stable political situation, unlike those who would come after them in Moche V.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) and has been found to be ancient; if purchased, you will receive a report confirming its age.
Provenance: private Cajigas collection, Spain; ex the late Noval collection, Spain, collected from mid 1960s to 1976
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#128059
- Condition: Repaired and restored from multiple pieces, with overpainting along repair lines, including very limited areas of the motifs.
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