Paracas Polychrome Bridge-Spout Effigy Vessel, Ocucaje style, Late Paracas, ca. 300-100 B.C.

depicting a falcon in flight above the deep sepia tone ground, the projecting head with delicate beak and incised eyes, the tapered outspread wings with small circles and banded markings, a strap handle with zigzag design connecting to the second spout, and the underside decorated with five concentric diamonds, covered overall in thick resinous pigments. 

Laurence C. Witten II Collection, acquired by the late 1960's-early 1970's
Sotheby's, New York, November 19,1990, lot 10, consigned by the above

Laurence C. Witten II (1926-1995) was a rare book dealer whose interests extended to collecting antiquities, musical instruments and early sound recordings. Witten collected Pre-Columbian art beginning in the 1960's; a portion of his collection was donated to the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University in the 1990's.

Excellent condition overall, appears intact; brown is a deeper, richer tone than appears in the photo.
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.

For a bowl with a similar bird, see Sawyer (1966: Fig. 117).