**Originally Listed At $750**

Pre-Columbian, Central/North Coast Peru, Moche, Phase IV, ca. 450 to 650 CE. A fine example of a hand-built pottery stirrup vessel featuring fineline painted motifs and a molded jaguar head that symbolize a warrior's strength. The globular body rests on a ring form foot with a "false" neck capped by a snarling jaguar visage in relief. The highly burnished vessel was first covered in layers of red slip on the handle, spout, and jaguar - then a cream slip on the upper shoulder and neck. The motifs in red resemble an assortment of weapons radiating from the neck - maces, clubs, and barbed spears. The Moche were a militaristic culture, and the mighty jaguar and weaponry symbolize their ceremonial combats and proficiency at warfare! Size: 7.5" L x 5" W x 8" H (19 cm x 12.7 cm x 20.3 cm)

For a similar example of this style, please see the Metropolitan Museum of Art's website, accession number: 1983.546.4.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, before 2010; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, acquired in the 1950s to 1960s

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 to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#173731

Professionally repaired and restored. Repaired are nearly indiscernible. Light surface wear and some fading to pigments, but motifs are clear and well preserved.