- 3
Paracas Polychrome Figural Vessel, Ocucaje style Middle/Late Paracas, ca. 500-100 B.C.
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- clay
- Height: 6 1/2 in (16.5 cm)
the seated warrior holding a rectangular shield with stylized trophy-head on the left, a clutch of three arrows in his right hand, his limbs modeled in relief and with distinctive whitened face with large incised eyes outlined in black, wearing a striped cape trimmed by beads and tied at the neck with a shell tassle, the flat, layered turban draped with a headband of a bird's skin with wings swept to the back, fine braids framing the face, the strap-handle to the spout at the back incised with a stepped cross motif; with fine textile remains covering areas of the post-fire pigment.
Provenance
Laurence C. Witten II Collection, acquired by the late 1960's-early 1970's
Sotheby's, New York, November 19, 1990, lot 8, consigned by the above
Sotheby's, New York, November 19, 1990, lot 8, consigned by the above
Condition
Excellent condition overall; appears intact, minor spots of pigment loss as shown; visible traces of textile impressions.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
The trophy-head cult was an important element of the Ocucaje style, where ritual warfare was a means to gain life-force and further the security of one's clan. This confident and elaborately clothed warrior wears animal and bird pelts, including a falcon skin, a powerful bird of prey that held importance since Chavin times, and was frequently depicted on Late Paracas pottery (see lot 2). See Sawyer (1975:81) and Lapiner (1976: fig. 193), for the general type.