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Ancient Pre-columbian Terracotta Zoomorphic Vessel Over 2000 Years Old
Gillers Antiques Ltd
for sale €4,095     $4,445
£3,500
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2023
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Ancient Pre-columbian Terracotta Zoomorphic Vessel Over 2000 Years Old

Pre 16th century
Description

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.

Physical Dimensions
Height
23cm (9.06")
Width
25cm (9.84")
Depth
13cm (5.12")
Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Pre-columbian Terracotta Vessel to a period before the 16th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1229107
Dealers Internal Reference
B1845
Description
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.
Gillers Antiques Ltd
fig 1. A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout.
fig 1. Ancient Pre-columbian Terracotta Zoomorphic Vessel Over 2000 Years Old

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).

fig 2. A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout.
fig 2. Ancient Pre-columbian Terracotta Zoomorphic Vessel Over 2000 Years Old

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).

fig 3. A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout.
fig 3. Ancient Pre-columbian Terracotta Zoomorphic Vessel Over 2000 Years Old

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.

fig 4. A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout.
fig 4. Ancient Pre-columbian Terracotta Zoomorphic Vessel Over 2000 Years Old

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).

fig 5. A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout.
fig 5. Ancient Pre-columbian Terracotta Zoomorphic Vessel Over 2000 Years Old

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.

Height
23cm (9.06")
Width
25cm (9.84")
Depth
13cm (5.12")
Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Pre-columbian Terracotta Vessel to a period before the 16th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1229107
Dealers Internal Ref
B1845
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page

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A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout.
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Archive I A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout.

Ancient Pre-Columbian Terracotta Zoomorphic Vessel Over 2000 Years Old

Archive II A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout. View II
Archive III A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout. View III
Archive IV A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout. View IV
Archive V A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout. View V
Archive VI A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout. View VI
Archive VII A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout. View VII
Archive VIII A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout. View VIII
Archive IX A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout. View IX
Archive X A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout. View X
Archive XI A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout. View XI
Archive XII A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout. View XII
Archive XIII A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout. View XIII
Archive XIV A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout. View XIV
Archive XV A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout. View XV
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
Verified Since Mar 2023
Items For Sale 401
Items Sold 564
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Verified Since Mar 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Buckland House, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 0PY, United Kingdom
Verified
Mar 2023
For Sale
401
Sold
564
A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout.
Ancient Pre-Columbian Terracotta Zoomorphic Vessel Over 2000 Years Old
Ref: SA1229107
A pre-Columbian terracotta zoomorphic vessel featuring an animal form with painted geometric patterns around the neck and a integrated handle spout.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Pre-Columbian terracotta vessels are hand-built earthenware objects produced by indigenous cultures of the Americas before European contact. They frequently feature hand-modelled zoomorphic or anthropomorphic forms, functional spouts, and slip-painted geometric decorations.

These vessels were created without the use of a potters wheel, employing coiling and pinch-pot methods instead. Surfaces were smoothed, burnished, and painted with natural mineral or earth slips before being low-fired in open pits.

Authentication involves examining wear patterns, surface encrustation, chemical composition, and firing techniques consistent with the era. Thermoluminescence testing is often utilized by specialists to confirm the age of the ceramic body.

A zoomorphic ceramic vessel functions well as a sculptural focal point on open shelving, a mantlepiece, or inside a display cabinet. Pairing matte earthenware with clean-lined contemporary furniture emphasizes its form and texture.

Keep low-fired earthenware in a climate-controlled environment away from excess humidity and direct moisture. Clean surfaces exclusively with a soft, dry brush to prevent removing original earth pigments or delicate surface encrustation.
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