Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru (North Coast), Moche Culture, ca. 100 to 700 CE. This is a black ware stirrup vessel with a pleasingly symmetrical shape and nicely formed stirrup and central spout. The body of the vessel has a slightly raised design of a figure with fearsome fangs and a body -- including hands and feet - made of snakes. Atop the figure's head is a crown of intertwined snakes. The snake-crowned figure was common among many of the Pre-Columbian societies of the North Coast of Peru, and snakes were obviously a creature with some ritual power in the Moche culture - they have been found deliberately buried in the tombs of high status individuals, perhaps placed there as an offering or as an animal companion to guide the person on their journey through the afterlife. Size: 6.5" W x 7.55" H (16.5 cm x 19.2 cm)

Provenance: Ex-California Museum of Ancient Art

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#115256

  • Condition: Intact, with minor chipping to the foot. Designs are clear.

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June 22, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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