Sican / Lambayeque culture vessel with fisherman and sea life - with functional rattle - Peru - Pottery . German Export License - 19 cm
06
days
14
hours
04
minutes
27
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 800 - € 950
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 145414 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Description from the seller
Pre-Columbian Late Moche / Early Sicán (Lambayeque) Marine Vessel with Monkeys – Peru.
Rare and highly unusual Pre-Columbian ceramic vessel from Northern Peru, attributed to the transitional Late Moche to Early Sicán (Lambayeque) culture.
The vessel has a globular body raised on an openwork pedestal base and a wide cylindrical spout flanked by two modeled monkey figures serving as sculptural appliqués.
The body is decorated in molded relief with a complex maritime scene depicting a fisherman surrounded by marine creatures, fish, rays and other sea life.
Such marine iconography reflects the importance of the Pacific Ocean in the ritual and economic life of the North Coast cultures of ancient Peru.
An especially remarkable feature is the hollow pedestal base, which retains a functional rattle mechanism.
When moved, the vessel produces sound, indicating that it likely served not only as a ceremonial container but also as a ritual sound object used in religious or funerary contexts. The openwork cut-outs in the pedestal enhance both the acoustic and visual qualities of the piece.
Condition: intact overall with expected age wear, surface encrustation, and minor losses/chips, especially around the rim.
Time period: ca. 700 - 1000 AD
Dimensions: 19 cm high
Provenance: purchased at a German auction - with copy of German export license
See picture from the auction catalogue.
Important information.
The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Pre-Columbian Late Moche / Early Sicán (Lambayeque) Marine Vessel with Monkeys – Peru.
Rare and highly unusual Pre-Columbian ceramic vessel from Northern Peru, attributed to the transitional Late Moche to Early Sicán (Lambayeque) culture.
The vessel has a globular body raised on an openwork pedestal base and a wide cylindrical spout flanked by two modeled monkey figures serving as sculptural appliqués.
The body is decorated in molded relief with a complex maritime scene depicting a fisherman surrounded by marine creatures, fish, rays and other sea life.
Such marine iconography reflects the importance of the Pacific Ocean in the ritual and economic life of the North Coast cultures of ancient Peru.
An especially remarkable feature is the hollow pedestal base, which retains a functional rattle mechanism.
When moved, the vessel produces sound, indicating that it likely served not only as a ceremonial container but also as a ritual sound object used in religious or funerary contexts. The openwork cut-outs in the pedestal enhance both the acoustic and visual qualities of the piece.
Condition: intact overall with expected age wear, surface encrustation, and minor losses/chips, especially around the rim.
Time period: ca. 700 - 1000 AD
Dimensions: 19 cm high
Provenance: purchased at a German auction - with copy of German export license
See picture from the auction catalogue.
Important information.
The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Sican / Lambayeque culture vessel with fisherman and sea life - with functional rattle - Peru -
Century/timeframe
Ca. 700 - 1000 AD
Name of object
. German Export License
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2025
Material
Pottery
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
19 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
