Inca Post-Conquest Wooden Beaker (Qiru)

Post-Conquest Period, Inca Culture, c. 1550-1640 AD, Andes Region, South America

An absolutely magnificent carved wooden drinking vessel, known as a qiru (or kero), from the post-conquest Inca period. This exquisitely crafted beaker exemplifies the refined artistry of the Andean master carvers, blending traditional Inca aesthetics with post-colonial influences.

This elegantly turned vessel features a squat, conical form that gracefully expands toward a thickened rim, resting upon a discoid foot. The surface is richly adorned with intricate geometric motifs, floral patterns, and a continuous narrative scene portraying the daily life of agricultural farmers. The vibrant polychrome hues of red, yellow, green, and tan stand out against the dark-brown background, creating a visually striking contrast.

Qirus were traditionally crafted in pairs, following the Andean custom that required two individuals to drink together as a sign of unity and reciprocity. These prestigious vessels played a central role in ceremonial toasts and ritual gatherings, often exchanged as symbolic gifts alongside textiles to express generosity and social bonds.

Fermented corn beer (chicha) held profound religious significance in the Inca world, serving as a primary ritual libation. Qirus were essential vessels in sacrificial ceremonies, where offerings of chicha or blood were poured onto the earth to honor the gods and ensure agricultural prosperity. The iconography of maize plants emerging from qirus in Andean art emphasizes the vessel’s sacred function as a conduit for spiritual nourishment and fertility rites.

This exceptional Post-Conquest Inca qiru embodies the rich cultural traditions, artistic mastery, and enduring spiritual practices of the Inca civilization, making it a highly desirable artifact for collectors of Pre-Columbian and colonial Andean art.

Good condition. Age-related wear and abrasion. Chip in the foot, otherwise intact. Dirt, dust and soot. Size approx. 16,0cm x 9,7cm x 9,6cm. 

Provenance: Finnish private collection