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Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Vicus, ca. 300 to 500 CE. A globular bottomed vessel with a graphically delineated phallic spout joined to a seated figure who presents an expressive visage comprised of coffee-bean shaped eyes, a pronounced curved nose with perforated nostrils, an incised smile, cup-shaped ears, and a jutting chin upon its phallic-shaped head which is also perforated at the back for sprinkling the liquid contents held within while creating a whistling sound so that anyone guilty of stealing the chicha within would be discovered, via a bridge handle. The figure sits atop the upper dome of the vessel with bowed legs flanking its modeled genitalia. Though somewhat faded, the body of the vessel seems to have been decorated with black and russet highlights on the figure’s body, phallic spout, and bridge handle as well as reddish-brown and black circular and linear motifs on the lower body – all via the negative resist technique. Size: 9.5″ W x 9.125″ H (24.1 cm x 23.2 cm)
Compare to similar examples in “Checan: Essays on Erotic Elements in Peruvian Art” by Rafael Larco Hoyle, Nagel publishers, 1965.
Condition: Traces of umber resist decoration. Repair to handle. Small loss to one ear. Expected surface wear commensurate with age.
Provenance: private Dr. George Wald collection, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; acquired in the 1960’s. Dr. Wald was the recipient of the 1967 Nobel Prize in Physiology of Medicine for his work on the retina.
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