Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, Phase I, ca. 100 to 250 CE. An intriguing brownware pottery vessel depicting a scene of justice and sacrifice to the gods. The highly burnished vessel presents with a bulbous body atop a slightly rounded but stable base, three conical protrusions representing mountain peaks on the front, a pair of stylized anthropomorphic figures atop two mountain peaks above a rectangular temple, and a protruding stirrup-shaped handle with a narrow spout on top. Each figure is shown in a prostrate position with flowing coiffures draped over their downcast heads that perhaps suggests being deceased or symbolic blood flowing down from the mountaintops. The aspect of death is shown flowing down towards the temple, and a petite doorway enabled a priest to enter and 'accept' their gracious lifeforce gifts. Size: 6.625" W x 6.3" H (16.8 cm x 16 cm)
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from the 1950s to the 1960s
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#159505
Condition
Minor resurfacing in some areas as indicated by smooth surface textures. Minor abrasions and fading to pigmentation, with softening to some incised details, otherwise intact and very good. Great remains of brown pigment throughout. Old inventory label beneath base.