Pre-Columbian, Moche III/IV, Peru, North Coast, ca. 200 CE. Magnificent Moche figural pottery stirrup vessel in the form of a warrior. Beautiful bichrome finish and masterful delineation of iconographic details. The proud warrior wears a large helmet-shaped headdress bearing a heraldic red X-form signifying his order and rank, fancifully decorated earspools, a pectoral with what appears to be a pair of sharp, pointed teeth/shell pendants, a grand possibly armoured mantilla, and two long plaited braids that hang down his back. Wielding a shield in his right hand and a staff in his left, our fierce warrior looks directly ahead with a stern expression. Warriors played an important role in not only ceremonial life of the Moche culture but also the defense of precious territory. 8"H. (20cm)

Private Boston, MA collection, Ex-Splendors of the World, Ex-Westermann Collection, Germany, acquired prior to 1980.

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Minor wear to rim of spout and minor paint loss. Else intact and near choice.