Chancay Pottery Jar

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

This exquisite Chancay pottery jar is a superb example of Pre-Columbian Andean ceramic craftsmanship, featuring a natural beige terracotta body adorned with intricate dark brown and white painted motifs. The globular form, coupled with its corseted neck and flared spout, showcases the Chancay’s distinctive aesthetic sensibility.

Resting on a rounded base, the vessel is further accentuated by twin strap handles, gracefully linking the neck to the shoulder, enhancing both functionality and elegance. The delicate painted decorations consist of stylized birds and geometric patterns, symbolizing the spiritual and natural world—motifs commonly found in Chancay funerary ceramics.

The Chancay civilization (1000–1470 AD) flourished along Peru’s central coast, producing refined, unpolished pottery with a matte surface. Their ceramics were often buried in tombs as grave goods, reflecting their spiritual beliefs and artistic traditions.

This rare and beautifully preserved artifact is a testament to Chancay ceramic innovation, offering collectors and enthusiasts a tangible connection to Pre-Columbian Andean culture.

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: Swedish private collection.

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)