Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Viru, ca. 300 BCE to 100 CE. A Viru whistling vessel depicting a sweet monkey sitting atop the closed vessel at one end, an arched bridge handle and tubular lower passage connecting the simian topped lobe to a globular spouted vessel. Typical of Viru wares, the modeling is pleasantly simple yet very descriptive. Just look at that monkey's gestures and expression - what a personality! Interestingly the back of his head as well as his eyes and nostrils are perforated to allow for sprinkling the liquid contents of this vessel. In addition, the surface is adorned in a lustrous negative resist finish of red, black, and cream. The wavy, linear, and geometric motifs embellish the vessel quite beautifully. In addition to its marvelous aesthetic and iconography, the vessel produces a musical whistle tone! Size: 9.375" W x 8.375" H (23.8 cm x 21.3 cm)
The Viru culture, which emerged on the north coast of Peru at the close of the Chavin period, was later displaced by the Moche Culture in the Chicama and Moche River valleys. This said, Viru ceramics have been found at Vicus further north as well. A wonderful and rare simian/anthropomorphic effigy whistling jar from this ancient culture of the Americas.
Provenance: ex-private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection
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#138273
Condition
Bridge handle and tubular passage between front and rear sections have been repaired/reattached. Expected surface wear and abraded areas with fading to some of the decorative motifs, but many remain. Nice manganese deposits in areas.