Ancient Pre-columbian Terracotta Zoomorphic Vessel

Ancient Pre-Columbian Terracotta Zoomorphic Vessel

Dimensions:

• Height 23 cm, width 25 cm, thickness 13 cm. Weight: 906 g

Technique:

Hand-modeled terracotta, slip, burnishing, incised geometric ornament (step meander).

Condition:

Excellent antique condition with natural signs of wear, patina, abrasions, and a small chip on the left leg.

Provenance:

From a private collection, acquired at a British auction.

Rarity:

A rare example of early Andean sculpture with expressive zoomorphic iconography.

Analogies:

Museum exhibits of pre-Columbian ceramics from the Andean region (Chavin, Cupisnique, Vicus cultures).

Based on the visual analysis of the photographs, the condition of the ceramics, and technological features:

Cultural affiliation and style:

The iconography of the vessel (a zoomorphic figure with fangs, the shape of the eyes, ears, and a geometric ornament in the form of a step meander on the neck) is characteristic of ancient Peruvian pre-Columbian ceramics (Andean region, Early Horizon or Early Intermediate period cultures, such as Chavin, Cupisnique, or Vicus).

Condition of the ceramics and signs of time:

Natural wear is observed on the surface: the wearing away of the mineral coating (slip) and burnishing on the most protruding parts (snout, paws, ears).

Natural patina, mineral deposits, and traces of prolonged exposure or burial are present in the pores, depressions, and on the chips.

A homogeneous, porous structure of ancient terracotta without signs of modern mechanical or chemical imitation of aging is visible in the area of the chips (including the chip on the base, the cut of the spout, and a small chip on the left leg).

Conclusion on age:

The item is a genuine archaeological artifact of pre-Columbian America and dates back to the 1st millennium BC - first half of the 1st millennium AD.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.