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Incan Vessel in the Form of a Head - K.068
Origin: Northern Coast of Peru
Circa: 1100 AD to 1300 AD
Dimensions: 8" (20.3cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta

Location: United States

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The Inca inherited the ceramic traditions of Ancient Peru, though fine Inca vessels are more rare than those of earlier cultures because the conquistadors destroyed so much. This beautifully burnished abstract fellow bares his teeth. How are we to interpret this? Is it a smile, or a sign of aggression? Is he suggesting that this is what happens to those who drink the now-vanished contents of the bottle, or is he warning us against trying to drink at all? It remains a mystery. The only thing we can know for certain is that this is a superb example of Incan ceramic art. - (K.068)

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