Pre-Columbian Moche Pottery Bear Stirrup Vessel

 Phase IV, Ca. 450 to 550 A.D.     A fine stirrup vessel molded with rounded plump body, a strong and handsome head of the animal with perked ears. The body also painted in overall cream with red defining the limbs of the animal. Expert repairs to body and handle.  Depiction of Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) are rare. They live along the mountain range from Venezuela to Bolivia. Size: 7-3/4 Inches Height.   Tip of handle restored and some minor restoration and stabilization to body.   Provenance: Mrs. A Ward, Yacott WA acq 1972.  Cp similar example in Liden Museum Stuttgart Collections online