Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Vicus, ca. 400 to 100 BCE. A handbuilt earthenware warrior effigy whistling stirrup vessel presenting the warrior's head at the front end of the stirrup with bold applied features, his arms protruding from the front end of the vessel body with hands wielding a club and shield, his genitalia presented in relief below. Interestingly, this vessel possesses numerous perforations presumably for sprinkling the vessel's contents - through the eyes, nose, neckline, top of head, elbows, and penis - perhaps for libation ceremonies. All is nicely finished in a bichrome red and umber finish. The Vicus culture is one of the earliest known ceramic making traditions in Peru, comparable to the Olmec in Mesoamerica, and in this vessel you can see the tradition that would lead to later styles like those of the Moche and the Inca. An intriguing piece of Vicus pottery. Size: 8" L x 8" H (20.3 cm x 20.3 cm)

Provenance: private Leonard collection, Virginia, USA, acquired before 1979

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.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#130932

  • Condition: Normal surface wear commensurate with age. Small chip to the shield which appears to have been reattached. Nice burnishing marks. Still whistles wonderfully!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

March 1, 2018 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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