Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Sican-Lambayeque, ca. 800 to 1000 CE. A very impressive musical, bichrome terracotta, double lobed stirrup vessel - the front lobe depicting three figures sitting and drinking chicha (corn beer) beneath the rooftop of an edifice upon a cuboid base; the rear lobe depicting a spiny spondylus shell; in addition, the stirrup spout, rooftop, and cuboid base are adorned with a red-on-cream striated motif. Size: 7.375" L x 5" W x 7.125" H (18.7 cm x 12.7 cm x 18.1 cm)
Spondylus shells, also known as spiny or thorny oysters for obvious reasons, have been revered by Andean peoples since the Pre-Columbian era. In addition to being featured in their artwork and used as currency, Spondylus pieces served as sacred offerings to Pachamama, the earth/time mother, a version of Mother Nature. The Spondylus shell carries numerous symbolic meanings. A symbol of fertility and elite social status, it was also believed to be an omen of rain, warning the indigenous of El Nino. In fact, the Spondylus shell only appears when the water becomes warmer during December - the time of the El Nino current - immediately before the rainy season.
Provenance: ex-private T. Misenhimer collection, Beverly Hills, California, USA, collected from 1970-2008
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#150518
Condition
Professionally repaired from multiple pieces with restoration over the break lines. Some touch up to red paint on one ridged side of the spondylus and the horizontal lines adorning the vessel. Minute nicks to rim of spout. Nice root marks.