MINIATURE LLAMA HEAD VESSEL – MOCHE CULTURE, PERU, C. 200 AD
MINIATURE LLAMA HEAD VESSEL – MOCHE CULTURE, PERU, C. 200 AD
Fired clay with painted decoration
Moche culture, Peru, c. 200 AD
A fine `portrait′ of a llama, from the top extends a vertical spout with a broad flared lip and four small perforation, two at each side. The bulbous eyes and snout with cream color decoration.
Llamas played an important role in the Inca culture and economy, providing basic needs and serving as pack animals. As cultural icons, Llamas were revered in various spiritual and fertility rites.
Dimensions: HEIGHT 10 CM, BASE DIAMETER 4 CM
Condition: Optical appearance good, minor restorations and small chips
Provenance: Formerly in the private collection of Dr. Gottfried Eysank of Marienfels, Bad Sch?nau
1970, then property of Galerie Alt-Amerika in 2011