Chancay Pottery Bowl

Pre-Columbian era, Chancay culture, 1000-1470AD, Peru

This fascinating small-sized pottery bowl exemplifies the refined yet functional ceramics of the Chancay culture. The bowl features a shallow, circular form with a distinct foot ring, providing stability and elevating it slightly above surfaces. The exterior is crafted from reddish-brown clay, while the interior is coated in a smooth cream slip, serving as a canvas for its bold geometric decoration.

The thin-walled vessel is adorned with a roughly executed yet striking abstract design, consisting of a repeating series of oblique lines and interlocked open triangles, all rendered in deep brown pigment. These motifs are characteristic of Chancay pottery, which often employed geometric and stylized imagery in its ceramics, textiles, and wooden artifacts.

The Chancay people were known for their sophisticated pottery production, particularly their black-on-white ceramics that were both utilitarian and ceremonial. Bowls like this may have been used for daily activities, offerings, or ritual purposes, reflecting the artistic and spiritual traditions of this pre-Columbian coastal civilization.

Despite its simplicity, this exquisite bowl remains a testament to the ingenuity and aesthetic sensibility of Chancay artisans, offering a rare glimpse into the material culture of ancient Peru.

Good condition. Intact. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, nicks and chip, with encrusted patina and well-preserved original paintwork. Size approx. 10,5cm x 11,3cm x 3,2cm.