Lot 133
Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 200 to 500 CE. An impressive mold-formed ceramic cup with a hollow conical handle, a large ovoid cup with a deep interior cavity, and a thin rim. The body of the cup depicts a fierce jaguar head defined by recessed eyes with elongated corners beneath furrowed brows, cupped semicircular ears, a bar-shaped nose, puffy jowls bearing pointed fangs within a scowling mouth, and a rounded chin, all decorated in red and cream slip. The hollow-molded handle contains several small rattle balls which, when jostled, emit a rattling sound through four petite perforations near the base. Size: 6" W x 7.3" H (15.2 cm x 18.5 cm).
The jaguar symbolized dominance and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with the jaguar, the largest and strongest feline of the ancient Americas. The principal Moche god wears a headdress adorned with a jaguar head and paws and important mortals donned similar headdresses. A nocturnal animal, the jaguar sleeps in caves and dark places and creeps quietly in the forest, evoking great mystery. Oddly enough, few Moche artists would have actually seen jaguars as they are not indigenous to the coast; jaguars prefer moist forest conditions. However, scholars believe that some cubs were transported over the mountains for Moche rituals and it is also possible that some jaguars wandered down the coast.
Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s
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#140749
- Condition: Vessel professionally repaired from multiple large pieces with some restoration, resurfacing, and overpainting along break lines. Minor nicks to rim, cup exterior, and handle, with fading and chipping to red and cream pigmentation, a few areas of fire-darkening, and minor abrasions. Light earthen deposits throughout.
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