Ancient Pre-Columbian Vicús Pottery Deer Vessel – Peru, ca. 100–500 CE

A remarkable and exceptionally well-preserved ceramic vessel from the Vicús culture of coastal Peru, dating to approximately 100–500 CE. The vessel takes the form of a stylized deer and retains vivid original polychrome decoration in black and cream over a rich red slip — a rare survival that speaks to both the skill of the ancient maker and the quality of this piece's preservation over two millennia.

Deer imagery in ancient Andean art carried potent symbolic associations with the hunt, fertility, and the natural world. The combination of sculptural zoomorphic form with bold painted decoration is characteristic of the finest Vicús ceramic production, and examples retaining this degree of original pigmentation are seldom encountered on the market.

Presented on a custom plexiglass display stand.

Details

Culture: Vicús Culture, coastal Peru
Date: ca. 100–500 CE
Medium: Ceramic with polychrome slip decoration (black, cream, and red)

Dimensions

Vessel: 8 in H × 4½ in W × 10 in L
Display stand: 1⅝ in H × 11⅛ in W × 5⅝ in D (included)