Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche 2, ca. 100-200 CE. It is immediately apparent from the expressive visage of this ferocious jaguar head that the jaguar 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. The principal Moche god wears a headdress adorned with a jaguar head and paws and important mortals 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. The animated expression of this piece with its wide eyes, gaping mouth bearing sharp teeth, and exaggerated large, round ears suggest that the artist who created this vessel may not have been working to achieve naturalistic representation but rather to evoke the powerful symbolism of the jaguar. 7-1/2"H x 8"W

All lots will be sold with a COA guaranteeing the authenticity of the piece for a lifetime. All items will come with full provenance information. Condition report and provenance is available upon request. All items were legally obtained and are legal to buy and sell.