Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 200 to 600 CE. An evocative pottery vessel in the form of a disembodied head intended as a portrait of a trophy head. Surmounted by a flared helmet and tubular spout, the ancient visage features wide eyes, a huge nose adorned with a tempeta nose ornament, and a downward curving mouth. In Pre-Columbian Peru, the human trophy head was not only the most sacred of offerings to the spiritual forces of nature; they were also integral to the pan-Andean ideology of death and regeneration, being but two parts of the same universal dyad. Death, caused by sacrifice and decapitation, is not the end; rather it leads to rejuvenation and new life. Size: 6.4" L x 5.4" W x 8" H (16.3 cm x 13.7 cm x 20.3 cm)

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

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#182520

  • Condition: Professionally repaired with restoration in areas as well as over break lines; all done with expert skill and very difficult to notice. Possible areas of repainting. Light surface wear with some nicks and pitting as shown, but otherwise excellent presentation with nice remaining pigments.

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December 14, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000