Pre-Columbian Stirrup Pot in Human Form

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.

The depiction of severed heads being held by mythical creatures as trophies reflects a society where warfare was commonplace and celebrated through art.

Hollow-formed bulbous vessel with burnished finish, seated or crouching male figure with bent legs and arms across his waist, straps to the chin securing a flat-topped cap with rectangular flap to the rear decorated with a ropework saltire; the face with aquiline nose, lentoid eyes and small curved mouth; between the hands, a small bird with discoid eye and wings partly extended; funicular spout to the top; marked 'OTX' to the underside. 550 grams, 20.2 cm high



From the collection of a Norfolk, UK, gentleman, 1990s.

Examples of birds are relatively common across the spectrum of Moche pottery as are other animals depicting battle or hunting scenes.

Squat with rounded underside and slightly everted rim, opposed lugs to the rim, band of painted crosshatching beneath the rim and rectangles with arrowheads beneath. 186 grams, 12.1 cm



Acquired in the 1970s. Ex Nicolas Cuppy, UK. Acquired in the 1980s. Property of a Cambridgeshire gentleman.