Pre-Columbian, north coast of Peru, Moche V, 600 to 800 BCE. A fine stirrup jar from the latest Moche period with interesting artwork around its base. In fine-lined and strong-lined contrasting style, dark red on a creamy background, it shows a motif of seated warriors holding shields and maces. Thick red bands circle the shoulder and move up the stirrup and the spout, painted to appear like a kind of skeletal structure for it. Moche V was a time period of social unrest, with radical changes and shifting urban centers, but it is not clear what caused it - some environmental calamity? A plague? Bad leadership, invasion, some other political explanation? The iconography of the vessel, with its martial theme, was perhaps painted for someone involved in these changing times. Size: 5.25" W x 9.3" H (13.3 cm x 23.6 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Private Ventura County, CA collection

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#118624

Repaired on one side from multiple pieces; repair to one arm of spout, with a slightly chipped rim.