Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, Phase III, ca. 300 to 450 CE. A charming pottery stirrup vessel featuring a pair of fighting jaguars upon a globular vessel. The cats wrestle each other with open mouths, jagged fangs on full display. Faint white pigment striations suggested the spotted coats of the jaguars. Although jaguars were the largest and most highly regarded of felines in Pre-Columbian cultures, the Moche were a highland and coastal civilization, and were more likely to encounter a number of other wild cats, besides jaguars, however, scholars believe that young cubs were transported over the mountains for Moche rituals. The mighty jaguar symbolizes ceremonial combats and the Moche's proficiency at warfare! Size: 7.5" L x 5" W x 9.5" H (19 cm x 12.7 cm x 24.1 cm)

Provenance: private Ferndale, Michigan, USA collection; ex-private Detroit, Michigan, USA collection, acquired prior to 2004; ex-Sotheby's, May 26, 1982, lot 34

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#182137

  • Condition: Repaired, stirrup handle has a visible break line. Chips and small losses to teeth, and repairs to teeth with adhesive. Abrasions and losses to handle.

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November 30, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
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