This highly spirited feline stirrup jar is a splendid
example of the artistry of the ancient Peruvian
culture known as Chavin, named after its best-
known highland ceremonial center, Chavin de
Huantar. Here massive temples were built of
finely dressed stone and embellished with
spectacular sculptural ornaments. Versions of
these powerful architectural motifs and symbols
also ornamented their well-made pottery, an
exquisite example seen here in this jaguar
stirrup jar. The magnetism of this most powerful
feline is masterfully represented by large
daunting fangs and fiercely expressive eyes and
brows. The textured decorative treatment of the
pot surface combines with the smooth, highly
polished feline face to give the pot a remarkably
tactile quality. The distinctive shape of this
handsome vessel resembles that of a gourd, the
result of a natural outgrowth of the local pre-
pottery tradition of carving these hard-shelled,
shapely fruits. The highly expressive and
dynamic quality of this feline jar attests to the
creative and spiritual sensitivity of the ancient
Chavin culture that produced it. When we hold
this dramatic vessel in our hands we can feel the
ancient and powerful feline spirit, a sensation
that truly transcends time.
- (PF.2328)
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