Moche Pottery Figural Llama Stirrup Spout Bottle

Pre-Columbian era, Moche culture, Moche phase II to IV, c. 200-600AD, Northern Peru.

Remarkable Moche stirrup spout bottle with llama carrying two saddlebag or baskets (with bottles) across its back. The llama has a lovely face and large perky ears. In ancient times as today, the llama was invaluable to the people of the Andes. Llamas were the largest domesticated animal in the Americas prior to Spanish contact, and they played a vital role in ancient Peru, transporting heavy loads up steep mountain paths to access remote villages. Its wool provided warm clothing against the cold mountain air. The Moche civilization (also known as the Mochicas) flourished in northern Peru from about 200 to 700 AD, centuries before the rise of the Incas. The Moche are particularly noted for their elaborately painted ceramics, gold work, monumental constructions (huacas), and irrigation systems.

Stirrup spout bottle are in good condition. Beautiful deep dark brown color. Age-related wear and minimal abrasion on the spout. One ear repaired, otherwise intact. Earthly deposits. Ex-museum collection piece with inventory numbers painted on the bottom. Size approx. 17,0cm x 14,5cm x 9,0cm.

Provenance: Danish private collection

For a similar examples see:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Accession Number: 1983.546.20 (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/314695)

Moche (Mochica) Culture (North Coastal Peru), sculptural stirrup spout bottle representing llama, Lima: Museo Nacional de Arqueología Antropología e Historia del Perú.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Accession Number: 67.167.14 (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/309482)

Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Connecticut, Accession Number: 2013.58.1 (https://artgallery.yale.edu/collections/objects/181141)