Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Pre-columbian Terracotta Stirrup Vessel to a period before the 16th Century.
Height 20.8 cm, width 20 cm, thickness 9.4 cm. Weight: 617 g
Technique:
Hand-modeled terracotta, slip, burnishing, incised ornament imitating wing plumage.
Condition:
Excellent antique condition with natural signs of wear, patina, and abrasions. A circular crack on the handle has been professionally restored and is therefore almost invisible.
Provenance:
From a private collection, acquired at a British auction.
Rarity:
A rare example of early Andean sculpture with expressive ornithomorphic iconography.
Analogies:
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 bird figure with a massive beak, the shape of the eyes, and incised geometric ornament denoting wings) 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 (beak, tail, relief paws).
Natural patina, mineral deposits, and traces of prolonged exposure or burial are present in the pores, depressions, and incised lines.
The structure of the terracotta visible in areas of wear is homogeneous and porous, without signs of modern mechanical or chemical imitation of aging. A circular crack on the stirrup handle has been recorded, concealed by a professionally executed restoration.
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 note:
This vessel is part of a dispersed collection. Two other complementary ancient zoomorphic vessels from the same provenance are available in our separate listings.
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.
Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Pre-columbian Terracotta Stirrup Vessel to a period before the 16th Century.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page
Ancient Pre-Columbian Terracotta Ornithomorphic Vessel Over 2000 Years Old
