Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Inca, ca. 1200 to 1500 CE. A very unusual Inca blackware pacha vessel depicting a parrot perched upon a pacay - a fruit that looks like a bean pod; however, once opened the 'beans' resemble scoops of ice cream. These juicy fruits are enjoyed for their sweet, refreshing flavor, and have actually been dubbed 'ice-cream beans' by the indigenous. The pods have been depicted on ancient ceramics like this example, and historical accounts tell of the Incas carrying pacay pods to the mountain capital of Cuzco as offerings, and so it makes perfect sense that this pacha (a vessel created to offer libations to Pachamama - with a wide spout and a perforation at one end through which sacred liquids could flow) depicts the pod of this sweet, delectable delight - the ideal offering to the Inca's version of Mother Nature. Interestingly, according to the reports of Pizarro, the Inca emperor Atahualpa sent him a basket of pacay fruits as a gift. What's more, the parrot alighting upon the pacay fruit adds spiritual value to this piece, because in the Pre-Columbian world, parrots were believed to possess supernatural powers deriving from a celestial origin. An intriguing example that boasts a beautifully burnished finish, a well-executed form, as well as meaningful iconography. Custom stand. Size: 9" L x 7" H (22.9 cm x 17.8 cm): 9.25" H ( 23.5 cm) on stand.

Provenance: Ex-Private Ventura County, CA collection

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#118614

Small chips to rim of spout. Minor surface wear as shown.