Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, Phase III, ca. 350 to 550 CE. A unique bichrome stirrup vessel in the form of the deity Ai Apec as a turtle. The god has anthropomorphic and reptilian elements that make up his unusual body. He squats with legs bent in front of his compressed stomach. The head juts forward with incised wrinkles around neck. The nose and mouth are pointed and very beak like. The eyes bulge outward, and rounded ears protrude to the sides. Upon his back is a heart shaped shell and the stirrup handle and spout project from this area. This hybrid being has all hallmarks of Ai Apec, who harnessed the power of the sea and fierceness of land animals. All is painted in red and beige pigments. Size: 6" W x 8.5" H (15.2 cm x 21.6 cm)

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

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#166371

Restoration to handle and spout, over painting near base of handle at both ends. Chips and nicks to rim of spout. Abrasion and loss to surface on snout and mouth of the head. Some fading of pigments and surface wear as expected with age.