Pre-Columbian, Peru, Inca, Late Horizon Period, ca. 1400 to 1550 CE. A polychrome vessel made in a 2 -part mold, known as an aryballos due to its similarities to Greek vessels of this shape, but also known as an urpu, featuring a coca chewer's face, the chin pierced like a spout, leading inside the vessel. The face is lined with tattoos or scarification marks and the bulge in his right cheek indicates a wad of leaves mixed into a ball with saliva and possibly lime. Coca chewing was not only for religious rituals, but as a stimulant for relieving discomfort while working, suppressing fatigue, hunger, and thirst - its use was widespread amongst marching soldiers and laborers. Size: 6" Diameter x 7.5" H (15.2 cm x 19 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#173415

Intact and excellent with nice manganese deposits and earthen encrustations on interior. Some fading and chipping to pigments, but overall great preservation to painted areas.