Pre-Columbian Chimu Terracotta Monkey Vessel

Biconical vessel with conical underside and domed upper, two vertical spouts to the centre with flat-section bar between, painted frieze of creatures to the shoulder including severed heads. 713 grams, 18.5 cm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Mixed group including an embroidered textile fragment and a ceramic head from a figurine. 95 grams total, 4.3-21 cm



Acquired in the 1940s-1950s. Ex Hiller collection; thence by decent.

Depicting the face of a warrior Nylamp; at the top animal figures flank a discoid-shaped head with headdress and discoid dangles; a human head below with large headdress decorated in geometric motifs, a series of dangles below. 267 grams, 39.5 cm



From a Spanish collection, acquired before the 1950s. Private European collection, acquired 1950s-1960s; thence by decent. Ex diplomat M.I. Polak collection; acquired in the 1960s-1990s. From a private Belgian collection, formed in the 1990s.

Archaeological investigations have demonstrated that Moche-Sicán cities were governed by warrior-priests, while depictions of rulers on pottery have revealed that these rulers wore pectorals like the example here. The ornate pectoral for a high-ranking noble or priest was sewn onto clothing, used to convey the wealth and power of their owners and separating them from artisans, farmers and herders, whose labour underpinned their rule. Only kings and religious figures of high status wore such adornments. Pre-Columbian artisans excelled in metalwork. The Moche was a powerful ancient state on the north coast of present-day Peru.