Chancay Pottery Figural Jar

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

This exceptionally large Chancay polychrome effigy jar is a striking example of Pre-Columbian Andean artistry, crafted with hand-built precision and polychrome decoration. The vessel depicts a shaman or crowned nobleman, clutching a conical kero cup, likely used for hallucinogenic rituals, reinforcing its ceremonial importance.

The stylized figure features a voluminous, egg-shaped body tapering into a vertical neck with a slightly flared rim. His cylindrical head showcases oval eyes with dilated pupils, symbolizing a trance-like state, alongside a pointed nose, pursed lips, and a jutting chin. Intricate tattoos or face paint adorn his eyes, mouth, and cheeks, further enhancing the expressive detailing.

Adorning the figure is an impressive headdress, presenting five ridged columnar high-relief motifs, enormous round earspools, and an incised collar with a rectangular design—all elements that suggest high status or ritual significance. His arms, legs, and feet are sculpted in relief, with applied hands featuring incised fingers, while painted dark brown geometric motifs on a light beige slip complete the decoration.

The Chancay civilization (1000–1470 AD) flourished on Peru’s central coast, producing distinctive, unpolished ceramics with matte surfaces, often featuring white slips with black or dark brown designs. These ceramics, frequently discovered in burial sites, were ritual objects and grave goods, reflecting the spiritual beliefs and artistic legacy of this enigmatic culture.

This masterfully crafted effigy vessel is a rare and exceptional artifact, offering valuable insight into Chancay ceremonial practices, spiritual iconography, and elite status symbolism.

Good condition. Areas of chipping to rim and earspools and some nicks and pitting in areas, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remaining pigments. Earthen deposits on interior. Size approx. 33,0cm x 19,5cm x 21,5cm. 

Provenance: Swedish private collection.

For a similar examples see:

Jar with human form, Harvard University, The Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, Accession Number: 75-20-30/8488 (http://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/269434)

Figure Holding Cup, The Brooklyn Museum, Accession Number: 44.99.25 (https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/56398)

Jar, The British Museum, Accession Number: Am1997,05.1 (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Am1997-05-1)