Moche Red-on-Cream Stirrup Vessel - Fanged Monkey

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 400 CE. A captivating bichrome, red and cream stirrup vessel depicting an expressive figure with a monkey head that presents an expressive visage comprised of large leering eyes, a wide nose, simian ears, and an open mouth bearing sharp teeth and a lagging tongue. His body is nearly spherical in form and painted via fine-line technique to present a pointed collar/necklace, arms bent at the elbows with large hands, and a netted bag or basket held in the right hand. The vessel sits upon a flat, circular foot. Monkeys were highly symbolic among the ancients of the Americas. The indigenous peoples were fascinated by the physical antics of these animals and viewed them as parodying human behavior. Size: 7.125" L x 5.25" in diameter x 8.75" H (18.1 cm x 13.3 cm x 22.2 cm)

There is a remarkably similar vessel in the collection of the British Museum, only that monkey is not holding a netted bag or basket.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Roy Oswald collection, Arizona, USA

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#148466 Dimensions: Condition Report: Professionally repaired from several pieces with restoration over the break lines. Very well done and difficult to see. One pressure fissure detectable on the base.