Pre-columbian Moche Terracotta Vessel Mating Frogs Over 2000 Years Old

Dimensions:

Height 19 cm, width 23 cm, thickness 12 cm. Weight: 557 g

Technique:

Hand-modeled terracotta, slip, burnishing.

Condition:

Excellent antique condition with natural signs of wear. There is a minute hairline crack near the left eye (visible only under magnification) and a chip on the spout rim.

Provenance:

From a private collection, acquired at a British auction.

Rarity:

A scarce example of early Andean sculpture featuring expressive Moche iconography.

Analogies:

Museum exhibits of pre-Columbian ceramics from the Andean region (Moche culture, North Coast Peru).

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 mating frogs scene, which is a classic Andean symbol of water, agriculture, and fertility) is characteristic of Peruvian pre-Columbian ceramics (Andean region, Moche culture).

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.

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

A homogeneous, porous structure of ancient terracotta without signs of modern mechanical or chemical imitation of aging is visible in the area of the chip on the spout. Additionally, there is a microscopic crack near the left eye, discernible only under strong magnification.

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, making it over 2000 years old.

Please note:

This vessel is part of a dispersed collection. Two other complementary 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.