Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, Phase IV, ca. 500 to 700 CE. A unique and impressive pottery stirrup vessel in the form of 2 seated monkeys with anthropomorphic features. Adorned in hues of burnt sienna and pale beige, the fascinating creatures sit side-by-side with their knees drawn up before them and their arms around one another's backs. Both are dressed as humans and wear tunics, one spotted and the other with cross motifs, while they hold polka-dot coca bags to their chests, which hang from their necks. Each zoomorphic visage presents a round snout, a wide nose, an incised mouth, and almond-shaped eyes beneath an arched brow, all flanked by a pair of large, annular earspools. The tubular stirrup spout rises from their verso, beginning at their shoulder and ending at their posteriors, where each of their sinuous, coiling tails can be seen. Size: 6.375" L x 5.25" W x 8.625" H (16.2 cm x 13.3 cm x 21.9 cm)

Monkeys were highly symbolic among the ancients of the Americas. The indigenous peoples were fascinated by the physical antics of these animals and viewed them as parodying human behavior.

Provenance: ex-Ashland University Museum, Ashland, Ohio, USA, donated to Ashland University between July 1994 to December 1998

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#166369

Repaired from several pieces with restoration. Petite perforation to one monkey's eye. Expected nicks, scratches, and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice pigments.