A STRIKING PRE-COLUMBIAN MOCHE STIRRUP-HANDLED PHOTOMORPHIC JAR FROM PERU

Description

CULTURE: Moche ORIGIN: Peru / North Coast AGE: Ca. 400 - 800 A.D. SIZE: 10" in height by 5" in diameter DESCRIPTION: A beautifully proportioned ovoid stirrup-strap jar with a chocolate brown base clay lightly overwashed with a creamy pale pigment. The vessel is encircled by four rows of raised cocoa beans (totalling almost 40). The rows of beans are connected by a horizontal red-brown fine line element. These vessels were often "killed" by having the handles broken off before being placed next to the deceased. The spout has been professionally re-attached to the body of the jar and a small crack has been stabilized. It is a very fine example of the type. PROVENANCE: A private Florida gallery.