Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche Phase I, ca. 100 BCE to 300 CE. A fantastical mold-formed ceramic vessel in the form of a skull or emaciated face, the bones are prominent, and the sunken sockets have eyeballs that are uncannily staring. The jawbone mandible is pronounced and the skin over the mouth is slightly drawn back revealing teeth and a tongue! The entire surface is slipped in a creamy white and the recessed areas highlighted in an umber brown pigment. From the top is a handle spout with a short neck for filling this vessel with libations. Although a bit deranged - from starvation or death - the face seems to grin devilishly. This is likely a representation of the mythical hero Ai Apaec from a story where he descended into the afterlife and acquired a deathly countenance. A fabulous if not somewhat macabre example of Moche artistry and mythology! Size: 4.5" Diameter x 7.75" H (11.4 cm x 19.7 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#173346

  • Condition: Excellent condition. Some pigment discoloration and fading, otherwise intact and very good.

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October 20, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
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
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