Chancay Pottery Jar

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

A fine unpolished and hand-modelled pottery jar of an a round form in natural beige color terracotta with delicate dark brown and white decoration depicting birds and geometric designs. Sitting upon a rounded base, the aged vessel presents a globular body, a corseted neck, a flared spout, and a pair of strap handles connecting neck to shoulder. The Chancay were a pre-Columbian archaeological civilization which developed between the valleys of Fortaleza, Pativilca, Supe, Huaura, Chancay, Chillón, Rimac and Lurin, on the central coast of Peru from c. 1000AD-1470AD. The Chancay culture is defined archaeologically by a distinctive and homogeneous ceramic style. These ceramics are known from extensive cemeteries in the Chancay region, where they were included in burials as grave goods. They are generally made of a peculiarly gritty clay that leaves an unpolished matte surface. Over this is painted a white slip, decorated with black or dark brown designs. 

Good condition. Areas of chipping to rim. Minor nicks and pitting, all commensurate with age. Museum markings at the base. Encrustation and dust. Size approx. 25,0cm x 19,0cm x 19,0cm. 

Provenance: private collection from Sweden.

For a similar examples see:

Jar, The British Museum, Accession Number: Am2003,10.1 (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Am2003-10-1)

Small jars, loop handles at neck, plain, Harvard University, The Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, Accession Number: 75-20-30/8469 (http://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/279397)