Stirrup sprouts Vessel
20 September 2025
Description

Clay pottery . Good condition. No chips or cracks. Has a few scratches. Hand painted. No markings or signatures.

Dimensions

10” wide. 7” high

Acquired from
Secondhand Store
For sale
Yes
Answered within 1 day
By David U.
Sep 21, 20:23 UTC
Fair Market Value
$100 - $300 USD
Insurance Value $0 USD
What does this mean?

Hello, this item is a double-chambered stirrup-spout vessel in clay, decorated with painted geometric motifs and modeled human heads. This type of form is strongly associated with Pre-Columbian cultures of Peru, particularly the Moche (100–700 CE) and later Chimu traditions, where stirrup spouts were a hallmark of ceremonial vessels used for libations or ritual offerings. The design here, featuring two rounded chambers joined by a bridge spout, echoes those traditions but the execution, condition, and paintwork suggest it is more likely a 20th-century reproduction inspired by ancient forms. The surface shows wear and scratching consistent with age or handling, but lacks the mineral deposits, firing irregularities, and archaeological patina typical of excavated Pre-Columbian ceramics.

In terms of market value, authentic Moche or related stirrup-spout vessels with figural decoration can sell between 3,000 and 20,000 USD depending on rarity, provenance, and preservation. However, replicas and decorative reproductions, even hand-painted ones, generally trade in the range of 100 to 300 USD, sometimes higher if they are well-crafted or vintage tourist pieces from Peru. Without secure provenance or scientific analysis, this vessel should be classified as a decorative reproduction with limited collector’s value rather than a genuine Pre-Columbian artifact.

This is a conditional appraisal, which means that we have not verified the authenticity of this item. Click here to learn more about the authentication resources that Mearto offers.

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