Description:

Peru, ca 500 - 600 CE. The form is that of a handled, spouted blackware vessel in the form of a predatory bird with a snake in its mouth. The Moche depicted animal forms as metaphors for their own conquests of regional, neighboring cultural groups. This hawk or predatory bird is obviously meant to be a metaphor for the conquering Moche rather than a naturalistic rendition of a bird, in that the bird is shown with a human arm, bearing a mace (war club/weapon). The snake in the bird's mouth (head over one of the bird's shoulders) represents a conquered enemy. An aesthetically appealing example, that is also encoded with significant symbolic meaning. 7" tall. Provenance: Former Bart family collection, Florida, USA. Collected circa 1950's. All items in this auction have been legally acquired, are legal to sell, and guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids, papered by our parent company, Artemis Gallery Ancient Art. The starting price is the lowest price at which the lot can sell.

  • Condition: Intact and in fine condition, with root marks and mineral deposits as evidence of age and authenticity.

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October 11, 2013 9:00 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