Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, Phase IV, ca. 450 to 550 CE. A charming polychrome pottery stirrup vessel in the form of an eagle with a writhing snake in its beak. The seated bird has wings tucked to its sides and incised linear feather markings. A strap handle and cylindrical spout emerge from the spine and the terracotta surface is painted with black, white, and tan hues. The Moche believed that birds were envoys between humans and the gods, so the broad flight patterns of eagles were thought to represent solar movements and thus imbued them with special powers. Size: 5.5" L x 3.5" W x 5" H (14 cm x 8.9 cm x 12.7 cm)
Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection; ex-John B. Kendrick II collection, Denver, Colorado, USA, acquired 1965 to 1990; John B. Kendrick II, son of John B. Kendrick, former Wyoming Governor and US Senator 1930s
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#172668
Condition
Repaired and restored. Chip to rim of spout, and chips to beak and body as shown. Fading of pigments and old inventory numbers on base.