Pre-Columbian, Peru, North Coast, ca. 700 CE - 1200 CE. Striking double bottle pottery vessel, front lobe in the form of a sea lion with an expressive visage dramatically peering upward comprised of almond shaped eyes, open toothy mouth, finely incised long facial whiskers, perforated nostrils and ears with a whistle incorporated in the head. Adding to the representation are nicely applied and modeled front and hind flippers. The lobed vessel has a conical rear spout connected to the strap bridge handle. Beautiful polychrome finish in hues of red, orange, black and cream. A rare find not only for its unusual form and fine artistry, but also its highly symbolic iconography as sea lions were and continue to be revered by the ancients of Peru. Folk healers have traditionally prized their symbolic healing properties. One custom that continues to this day involves grinding up any stones ingested by sea lions into a powder that is believed to have restorative powers for sufferers of heart disease and epilepsy. Tiny chip to spout. Very minor surface wear. Intact and near choice. 5-1/2"H (13.5cm)

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

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#101766

Tiny chip to spout. Very minor surface wear. Intact and near choice.