Description:

Pre-Columbian, north coast Peru, Moche, Phase III to IV, ca. 350 to 700 CE. A wonderful pottery stirrup vessel in the form of a portrait head with prominent face tattoos embellishing the chin, upper lip, cheeks, and brows. Gazing forth from large, almond-shaped eyes, the veristic visage displays areched brows, a sharp nose, and fleshy lips held closed, all crowned by a helmet-like coiffure. Naturalistic ears flank the face, each adorned with a circular earspool, while 4 indentations in each cheek likely represent ceremonial scarification. The Moche of northern Peru may be the only ancient culture of the Americas that produced true portrait vessels. In fact, scholars have been able to follow the progression of age and rank of several individuals portrayed in Moche pottery. Size: 6.25" L x 6.5" W x 11.1" H (15.9 cm x 16.5 cm x 28.2 cm)

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report will accompany the item upon purchase.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, before 2010; ex-private T. Misenhimer collection, Beverly Hills, California, USA, collected from 1970-2008

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#173460

  • Condition: A few minor nicks in areas, but otherwise intact and excellent with good remaining pigments and light earthen deposits. TL holes to base and behind both ears.

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January 18, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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