Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, Phase IV, ca. 500 to 700 CE. A superb and expertly decorated pottery stirrup vessel in the form of a portrait head of a lord with a naturalistic visage crowned by a jaguar headdress. The Moche of northern Peru may be the only ancient culture of the Americas that produced true portrait vessels. In fact, scholars have been able to follow the progression of age and rank of several individuals portrayed in Moche pottery. This example presents heavy-lidded, almond-shaped eyes, a curved nose, and thin libs, all flanked by a pair of huge, annular earspools. The fierce head of a jaguar projects from his headband with large paws raised on either side, as though ready to attack. A chinstrap rests below the pointed chin, along with a beaded necklace, as a stirrup spout rises from the shoulder-length hair. An outstanding Moche lord portrait vessel with a veristic countenance, adorned in a manner that is opulent and highly symbolic! Size: 5.75" W x 10.25" H (14.6 cm x 26 cm)

Jaguar imagery 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 Ai Apec wears a headdress adorned with a jaguar head and paws, and important mortals like the gentleman 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.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010

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#179869

Professionally repaired and restored with some repainting in areas, all very well done with indecipherable break lines. Some minor nicks and abrasions as well as a few small chips to peripheries as shown.