Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 100 CE - 400 CE. Rare ceramic finial in the form of an attacking serpent with a writhing, undulating body and an expressive visage - not the bulging eyes and a snarling mouth full of sharp, jagged teeth! This finial most likely adorned the staff of a shamanic king among the Moche, a leader of great authority who engaged in "combat" with opposing forces in the supernatural world in order to achieve peace and power via a pacification of the spirits. In turn, he became a living god thought to be equipped to cast spells, heal, and foretell the future. Finely incised linear markings on head. Beautiful form! 10"L x 2-1/2"W

Provenance: Ex-private Kalman Collection, CA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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  • Condition: Normal, near invisible surface wear. Tiny, stable pressure crack on underside of jaw. Else intact and near choice condition.

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October 24, 2014 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000