Pre-Columbian Moche Snarling Pampas Vessel
4th-7th century A.D. A bichrome ceramic stirrup bottle in the form of a spotted feline, likely a pampas cat, couchant and snarling, tail wrapped around the front of the body, tongue protruding between sharp teeth and large ears pointing backwards. Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession number 67.167.12, for a comparable example of a Moche feline; see Pimental, V., Peru, Kingdoms of the Sun and the Moon, 5 Continents, 2013, p.56, for another example of an attentive feline baring teeth. 924 grams, 22.5 cm wide (8 7/8 in.). Private U.K. family collection formed in the early 1970s. The property of Mr and Mrs P. R. of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members. This beautiful vessel conveys a powerful image of the attentive feline with head turned to the viewer with teeth bared in a snarling and defensive position. Holding a ritual significance, images of large cats feature prominently within many cultures of the Pre-Columbian world with the jaguar being the largest, representing power and authority. The principle deity of the Moche was often represented displaying aspects of the jaguar, testament to the importance of the feline within the culture. [No Reserve] [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website]