North Coast, Peru, ca. 100 BCE–200 CE
Height: 6 3/8 in. (16.2 cm)

Exceptional sculptural pottery stirrup-spout vessel depicting a bound prisoner, dating to the important transitional period between the Salinar and early Moche cultures on Peru's north coast. The seated captive is portrayed with arms secured behind his back, crossed legs, incised facial paint, and white pigment highlights that emphasize the facial features and body ornaments. The vessel combines classic Salinar ceramic traditions with the increasingly naturalistic modeling that would become a hallmark of Moche art. The Salinar culture represents the crucial bridge between the earlier Cupisnique tradition and the rise of the Moche civilization. 

Fine reddish-brown burnished surface with excellent preservation and strong sculptural quality. Prisoner vessels are among the earliest artistic expressions of themes that later became central to Moche ceremonial art, reflecting warfare, ritual, and social hierarchy. 

Provenance: Ex. Revere Auctions, St. Paul, Minnesota. Ex. Private Minnesota Collection.