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Pre-Columbian, Peru (North Coast), Moche Culture, ca. 600 to 800 CE. A mold-made ceramic vessel in the form of a seated muscovy duck, its body fat, its head tilted downward to touch its chest. A stirrup handle with a short, slightly flared, cylindrical spout rises from the back of the duck’s head and near its perky tail feathers. The duck’s wings form a lightly raised heart shape on the back. The caruncle on the base of its upper bill is true to life for this distinctive species. White, red, and black pigment give the duck a colorful, speckled and striped body. The Moche domesticated the muscovy duck, and used it for feathers; feathers were a symbol of the elite. The males of the species are frequently aggressive, and this drew the attention of the Moche, making the animal a special symbol for warriors. The Lord of Sipan was buried with ear spools decorated with muscovy ducks, probably to emphasize his status as a powerful warrior. Size: 7.65″ W x 8″ H (19.4 cm x 20.3 cm)
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
See another example of a Moche muscovy duck at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts: https://www.mfah.org/art/detail/22002?returnUrl=%2Fart%2Fsearch%3Fculture%3DMoche
Condition: Spout has been repaired. Nice remaining pigment.
Provenance: ex private Ohio, USA collection, acquired more than 20 years ago
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
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