Pre-Columbian, northern Peru, Chavin culture, Jequetepeqye-Templadera type, ca. 1200 to 800 BCE. One of the more striking examples of ancient pottery I have seen from this region. Brownware stirrup vessel - a type of canteen that could be tied to the waist for travel over distances or into the fields. Vessel has so much symbolism going on it's difficult to know where to start. Central figure of a monkey taking shelter in a cave, on the sides huge waves (looking much like human fingers) threaten the frightened creature. Large jaguar roundels or spots decorate the wave - another part of nature that must have instilled great fear into this culture. Reverse also decorated with additional jaguar spots with remains of red, tan and white pigment still evident. A truly remarkable vessel! Size: 6" W x 10" H (15.2 cm x 25.4 cm) Published in "Shamans and Hallucinogenic Drugs," Copenhagen, Denmark. Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, ex German collection collected in the 1950's All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #136618