Moche Pottery Bottle with Deity and Monkeys

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

Exceptional and very beautiful mold-made pottery bottle featuring an exquisite relief design. Sitting upon an circular foot, the vessel presents a globular body, cylindrical neck, and a base that is mostly flat. Two perforated nubbin handles are set on either side of rounded shoulders, and with a row of painted scroll design separating the two sides, a standing warrior figure wearing jaguar helmet, spider monkeys carrying tubers or ulluchus from trees, a birds, a feline creature, and a set of corncobs are illustrated across both sides of the bottle. The lower body with repeating cresent-shaped decorations painted in a light cream hue. 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. Monkeys were not native to the coastal regions of Peru, but it is believed they were imported from Ecuador to the north and kept as pets, or trained to harvest fruits from trees. 

Excellent condition. Stunning details. Small chip to the rim. Smoothed patina and softening to some finer details. Traces of red, black and yellowish cream color. Age-related minimal wear. Intact.  Dirt, dust and encrusted deposits. Size approx. 15,5cm x 11,2cm x 11,2cm.

Provenance: Swedish private collection.