Pre-Columbian, Peru, Moche culture, Phase III/IV, ca. 300-400 CE. The Mochica are highly regarded for their ceramic art, in particular their figural stirrup vessels painted in bichrome or polychrome finishes representing humans engaged in various activities or portrait heads of individuals of high stature such as this example. Featured here is the face of a noble warrior dressed as a fox or perhaps a shaman who has transformed into a fox. Note the impressively interpreted profile of his snout, his razor sharp teeth, and down-turned ears. Beyond these features, he dons an impressive textile band replete with striking abstract patterns and a rather large plug protruding from his head. The fox was one of the most highly revered of all animals in the Moche culture. Even so, they were rarely depicted in pottery making this a tremendously rare and important example. 11"H x 8-1/2"D x 6-3/4"W at widest

Provenance: Ex-private WA state Collection acquired prior to 1975

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Stable crack at tip of nose. Normal surface wear. Great manganese blooms. Intact and excellent to near choice.