Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chavin, North Coast Peru, Casa Grande, ca. 1200 to 1000 BCE. A charming 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 lustrous surface of the vessel is incised with a lovely pair of flowers, each with six petals and surrounded by a coat of beige-hued paint. A series of incised dots adorns the beige area around the flowers, creating textured accents to the overall design. Size: 6.25" W x 10" H (15.9 cm x 25.4 cm)
The Chavin people lived in the northern Highland Andes, and their capital, Chavin de Huantar, is a 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 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, acquired from 1950 to 1960s
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#161482
Condition
Repaired from several pieces with restoration over break lines. Rim restored from new material. A few miniscule nicks and light scratches, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with impressive pigments.