Rare Wari polychrome hide pouch, Middle Horizon, ca. A.D. 800-1000

the soft camelid curved pouch sewn with a youthful face modeled in stiffer hide, elaborately painted with the geometric designs of elite clothing, with stepped and bilateral forms in alternating colors of ochre and red, the headband of diamond design securing short bangs and long strands of human hair, the attached rectangular flaring sides painted as the bold spotted tunic, flanked by chevrons, a thin hide strap above. 

Alan Lapiner

Acquired from the above in 1964 or 1965

Alan Lapiner, Pre-Columbian Art of South America, New York, 1976, colorplate 572

Excellent condition. Pouch intact and very pliable. Colors strong. Hair is fragile but well secured under headband.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This unique object is one of the rare ceremonial pouches to survive with vibrant original pigment. Such bags would have carried ritual objects and substances such as coca leaves. It is an example of the Wari preference for bold human faces as also seen modeled on the large anthropomorphic warrior vessels. Three such vessels shows the same facial design and spotted tunic style as this pouch see Peru, Petit Palais (2006:cat. no. 146-148).

This pouch was examined by Junius Bird of the American Museum of Natural History, New York, in 1962 (letter will accompany this lot). Bird notes seeing other leather objects with shaped faces but none using it as an ornamental detail. He refers to the facial design as the Pecheco style.