Pot Item Number: Sf620 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A hand built, oxidation fired ceramic with two tapering spouts connected by an arched strap handle; flat bottomed vessel with abrupt shoulder where rounded bowl shapes of upper and lower sections meet. Profile bird with curving beak and talons repeated twice on upper body. Geometric designs of concentric circles, crosses, angular hooks and 's' shapes fill background. Slip decoration in red/brown, orange, off-white and outlined in dark brown. Raised circular addition directly under handle.
History Of Use
The double spout and strap handle form is typical of the Wari culture as are the polychrome slip decoration, the chevron and condor motifs. The style is more spontaneous and casual than the standard Wari Style. The bristling lines that surround the condor and the ceramic ring beneath the handle are characteristic of the far north coast (p.c., Alan Sawyer).
Narrative
Provincial Wari Style, Middle Horizon; 550-900 C.E.
Iconographic Meaning
The bird design is probably a provincial version of the condor frequently depicted in the 'official' art of the highland Wari. The pair of angular hooks directly below the spouts may replace serpent heads, frequently found beneath spouts on Lambayeque ceramics.
Item History
What
- Name
- Pot
- Identification Number
- Sf620
- Type of Item
- pot
- Material
- glaze and clay
- Manufacturing Technique
- oxidation fired and slipped
- Overall
- height 17.2 cm, width 18.0 cm, depth 12.5 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Peru
When
- Creation Date
- between 550 and 900
- Collection Date
- between 1949 and 1966
- Ownership Date
- before May 4, 1981
- Acquisition Date
- on May 4, 1981
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 89
- Accession Number
- 0711/0122