Description:

Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Moche IV, ca 600 CE. Unique and museum worthy stirrup vessel created in the likeness of a Mochica warrior in full armor, kneeling on one leg , holding a shield and maize club. The warrior dons impressive regalia, an elaborate headdress adorned with an image of a jaguar head in relief with an additional face on the reverse side as well. The jaguar symbolized power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this king of beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World. In addition, the principal Moche god wears a headdress adorned with a jaguar head and paws and important mortals such as the warrior depicted in this example donned similar headdresses. A nocturnal animal, the jaguar sleeps in caves and dark places and creeps quietly in the forest, evoking great mystery. Oddly enough, few Moche artists would have actually scene jaguars as they are not indigenous to the coast. Jaguars prefer moist forest conditions. However, scholars believe that some cubs were transported over the mountains for Moche rituals and it is also possible that some jaguars wandered down the coast. The animated visage and exaggerated ears suggest that the artist who created this vessel may not have been working to achieve naturalistic representation but rather to evoke the powerful symbolism of the jaguar. 11"H x 16"W

Provenance: Ex-prominent Hollywood, CA collection acquired from Ron Messick Fine Arts, Santa Fe, NM

All items in this auction are legal to buy/sell under U.S. statute covering cultural patrimony per United States Code 2600, CHAPTER 14 -- CONVENTION ON CULTURAL PROPERTY, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

  • Condition: Spout reattached, minor losses to pigment, else exceptional

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June 13, 2014 9:00 AM MDT
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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