Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Inca, ca. 1400 to 1532 CE. An extensively decorated polychrome pottery vessel called an aryballos due to its similarities to Greek vessels of this shape, but also known as an urpu. The vessel has a wide and conical base, a piriform body, two applied strap handles, a protruding lug on the shoulder, a tubular neck, and twin miniature loop-shaped tabs below the flared rim. In addition, the front of the vessel body is beautifully decorated with alternating registers of diamond motifs in red and black against an orange ground. Finally, black outlined red bands adorn the vessel's sides, shoulder, and rim. Despite possessing a utilitarian function (described in the extended description below), scholars posit that more ornate Inca vessels, like this finely painted urpu, were used as votive pieces for rituals. Size: 5.5" W x 5.875" H (14 cm x 14.9 cm)

Urpus were used for transporting and storing liquids such as chicha (fermented corn beer) and the conical base enabled the vessel to be pushed into sand or soft earth to stand upright. When alpacas were overburdened, human porters carried the urpu vessels on their backs. The tabs below the rim secured a cloth or skin cover over the mouth to prevent spillage. The rounded lugs would also secure a strap that ran through the handles and tied the vessel to the porter’s back.

Accompanied by Lucite ring for display.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: ex-private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection, acquired December 10, 2015; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#161212

TL holes on base and under rim. Minute nicks to rim and miniature loop-shaped tabs below the rim. Some minor rim restoration, and surface has been lacquered.