**First Time At Auction**
Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chavin, possibly Tembladera phase, ca. 1200 to 1000 BCE. An intriguing example of a hand-built greyware stirrup vessel, the elegant form presenting with a voluminous rounded body sitting upon a planar base, an ample stirrup handle, and a cylindrical spout with a well-defined flared lip. The surface of the vessel body is embellished with meticulously stippled sections/bands that spiral around the vessel and alternate with smooth, burnished sections to create an attractive contrast. Size: 6.125" W x 9.125" H (15.6 cm x 23.2 cm)
The Chavin people lived in the northern Highland Andes, and their capital, Chavin de Huantar, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The artwork of Chavin represents the first widespread artistic style in the Andes. The center of Chavin de Huantar is a massive, flat-topped pyramid, surrounded by lower platforms. Between 1200 and 500 BCE the pyramid space was used for religious ceremonies. The Old Temple, constructed very early in the history of the site, consists of a series of passageways built around a circular courtyard; within were carved stone monuments showing jaguars, serpents, and other figures with transformative and/or anthropomorphic figures.
The stirrup vessel vessel is named for the stirrups of horseback riding. In addition to being attractive, these vessels were also practical. Their narrow openings prevented rapid evaporation of the precious liquid stored within - a great advantage given the extremely dry deserts of Peru. Note also that the shape of the neck made it easy to carry. Two stirrup vessels could be tied to the ends of a cord and suspended over a llama's back or a person's shoulder.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950 to 1960s
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#161484
Condition
Spout possibly reattached, but if so, very well done and difficult to discern. Nice burnishing marks. Collection label on base.