Pre-Columbian, central Peru, Inca, ca. 1400 to 1500 CE. An unusual Inca vessel of a lovely bi-chrome finish in hues of red and cream depicting two individuals, close pals or perhaps a couple, engaged in beer or chicha drinking. Both drinkers are intimately nestled around an upright decorated vessel that is near miniature in size to our eyes, but compared to the size of the men, is of a rather large scale. One of the men holds a cup, while the other simply hugs the large vessel. The entire scene is depicted atop a football shaped form, perhaps representing an ear of jora corn, a species of corn from the Andes used to make Chicha beer. Chicha de jora is a corn beer that is fermented in enormous earthenware vats for several days. The Inca used chicha for rituals and drank great amounts during lengthy religious festivals. Size: 8.25" L x 6.125" H (21 cm x 15.6 cm)

Provenance: private Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA collection, ex-Artemis Gallery, K. Tiernan collection, Colorado; ex-G. Woods collection, Dallas, Texas

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#121885

Old repair to probe hole and normal surface scuffs, else excellent.