Fired clay. Pre-Columbian America, Salinar/Chavin culture, approx. 300 BC (TL-tested)
The shape of the vessel with a flat base is slightly curved and tapering upwards, the top domed. A handle arches over it and also holds the vertical spout in its center. This “stirrup handle†forms an owl at one of its ends. The spirited owl is depicted in the round, with a tall head and large eyes as well as to legs stretched out forwards in a domineering pose. The style of this vessel suggests that it could originate from the Peruvian Salinar culture, yet a clear Chavin influence also prevails. The grey vessel is somewhat brown due to exposure to earth. Very well-preserved.
HEIGHT 22,5 CM, DIAM. 17 CM
Formerly in the private collection of Ralf Lüder, BRD (Germany), acquired prior to 1970
TL-test certificate no. 059401, dated January 1994, by the Kotalla laboratory in Germany included.
The Ancient American Chavin culture obtained its name from the monumental temple complex of Chavin de Huantar, one of the most important religious sites in the Peruvian highland in the eastern Andes range. The Chavin culture is believed to have flourished between 850 and 200 BC. All offered ceramics are from old collections and were acquired by the current owner from previously existing collections, for instance the collection of doctor Eysank von Marienfels (1920 – 2008), or the contractor Heinz Walter who became famous for being the first person to hang glide from Kilimanjaro (1971), Popocatepetl, etc... The owner is selling his collection because he is relocating to the Phillipines.