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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Art of Peru : Ceremonial Polychrome Beaker
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Ceremonial Polychrome Beaker - K.054
Origin: Southern Coast of Peru
Circa: 800
AD
to 1400
AD
Dimensions:
7.75" (19.7cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
$3,600.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
For thousands of years, in every part of the
world, mankind has decorated objects and
architecture with snarling and grimacing images
meant to frighten away evil spirits. The early
Greeks adorned their temples with gorgons, the
Romans placed mosaic medusas on their floors,
and gothic cathedrals used gargoyle spouts. This
Peruvian vessel is decorated in the rich colors
and bold geometry favored in the south. Its
central image is of a deity whose bared fangs
and wide staring eyes are meant to chase all
things malevolent away from the beaker's
contents. Very possibly this is Ai-Apec, chief God
of the Ancient Peruvian pantheon, whose cult
thrived for centuries. Even empty, we would
hesitate to pick up this powerful vessel unless
our intentions were pure.
- (K.054)
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