Lot 109
Pre-Columbian, Northern Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 500 to 700 CE. A fascinating stirrup vessel, mold-formed into a llama or alpaca with a disfigured rider. The man's nose and lips are eaten away from an infectious disease, that is often attributed to leishmaniasis, caused by parasite infection transmitted after being bitten by sandflies. Left untreated, leishmaniasis is often life threatening, and death from this disease was common, so surviving, like the rider depicted, was perhaps a sign of strength. Perhaps this was simply just a representation of everyday people in Moche society, or even a tribute to those who had died from the infection. Size: 9.75" L x 4" W x 10.5" H (24.8 cm x 10.2 cm x 26.7 cm)
Leishmaniasis results in open sores, face ulcers (that eventually eat away at nose cartilage and lips), as well as high fever, organ damage, and death. Researchers studying bone remains and mummies have detected leishmaniasis in ancient Peruvian cultures, and early Spanish colonists described a sickness as "white leprosy" which was probably leishmaniasis. Another thing of note is the act of riding the camelid. Llamas and alpacas could not carry adults, their backs are not strong enough for weights much over 100 lb. (45 kg), but they are still often depicted in pottery with captives slung over their backs or with upright riders.
Provenance: private Ferndale, Michigan, USA collection; ex-private Detroit, Michigan, USA collection, acquired prior to 2004
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#182549
- Condition: Professionally repaired with indiscernible break lines and probable infill to fissures on rear end. Chip to rim and minor surface nicks. Nice manganese deposits on the surface.
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