Chimú Blackware Stirrup Spout Bottle

Pre-Columbian Era, Chimú Culture, c. 800-1470 AD, Moche Valley, Trujillo, Peru

This magnificent blackware stirrup spout bottle is an extraordinary example of Chimú ceramic craftsmanship, blending symbolism, utility, and artistic refinement. Mold-made and burnished to a sleek finish, this vessel features a square-profiled stirrup handle supporting a flat-rimmed spout, all rising from a conical chamber set atop a circular pedestal foot.

Intricate iconography adorns this bottle, with a delightful bird perched on the handle, pecking at corn, reinforcing the Chimú reverence for agriculture. Below, the chamber is decorated with two rows of motifs: the upper row showcases three mythical birds in a continuous beak-to-tail sequence, while the lower section features stepped fret-and-key designs, echoing architectural patterns found in Chimú textiles and monumental structures.

Chimú ceramics were produced in large quantities for both daily use and ceremonial offerings, typically employing reduction firing to create their signature black hue. The vessel’s distinctive polish was achieved through careful stone burnishing, enhancing its luster. The presence of mold seams suggests mass production techniques, yet each piece remains unique in its fine detailing and symbolic resonance.

This stunning stirrup spout bottle, with its mythical and agricultural symbolism, is a museum-quality artifact, offering a remarkable glimpse into Chimú artistic mastery, religious beliefs, and sophisticated ceramic traditions. A true collector’s treasure from the ancient Andean world.

Very good condition. Intact. Age-related minor wear and fractures. Encrusted polished patina. Size approx. 18,5cm x 14,0cm x 9,8cm.

Provenance: Private collection from Finland.

For a similar example see:

Vessel, The British Museum, Accession Number: Am1941,04.55 (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Am1941-04-55)