Wari Figural Vessel of a Dignitary South Coast, ca. A.D. 600-800

distinguished by the squared feline-snout perhaps indicating a mask, baring teeth with crossed fangs, and holding a prisoner in the right hand with his body alongside and head modeled in relief, an axe held on the left, wearing a fine tapestry-woven tunic decorated with panels of profile feline heads extending over the front and back, the flaring headdress with step meander, adorned at the back with a large medallion of a bird of prey with wings extended and a bee-like body, long plumage below, the spout with a chevron band.

Acquired by the present owner's grandfather prior to 1957
By descent in the family

Jose Antonio Lavalle, Arte y Tesoros del Peru, Huari, 1984, pg. 161

Overall very good,minor old chip to PR toe,some spawling of surface paint as shown.
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.

The rise of the Wari empire is the defining event of the Middle Horizon era, with the consolidation of power in the Ayacucho Valley and the expansion to coastal and Highland areas throughout Peru. Wari advances in agricultural production and sociopolitcal organization enabled this transformative shift that would effect the contemporaty Tiwanaku neighbors, and influence the later Inca empire.
The specialized workshops of ceramists and textile artisans created distinctive objects
illustrating the religious and socio-political elements of the society. This figural vessel likely portrays an imperial official, wearing a finely woven tapestry tunic, as well as showing the avatar feline face representing his power.

For similar headbands, see Bergh (2012:63); for the general tunic style, ibid (159).