Pre-Columbian Moche/ Chimu pottery vessel

Minerva Gallery

A ceramic vessel represents a transitional piece between the Moche and Chimú civilizations, illustrating the evolution of pre-Columbian artistic styles in northern Peru. Depicting a seated warrior figure, the vessel is characterized by intricate detailing on the figure's garments and facial features, combined with the distinctive Chimú-style spout at the back. The warrior’s proud expression and elaborate attire signify high status, while the vessel’s dual functionality hints at its ceremonial or utilitarian role in ancient Andean culture. The piece blends the Moche's realism with the Chimú's more abstract, utilitarian aesthetic. The spout, a hallmark of Chimú ceramics, indicates its later cultural influence while preserving Moche sculptural traditions. The Moche civilization (c. 100–800 CE) was renowned for its realistic and symbolic ceramic sculptures, while the Chimú (c. 900–1470 CE) emphasized functionality and uniformity in their pottery. This vessel’s blend of Moche realism and Chimú utilitarianism marks it as a unique artifact from the transitional period, when the Chimú began to dominate the northern Peruvian coast. 6 3/4" in height. 

$1,200.00

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