Vessel

The small bottle form or drinking cup represents a rather rare vessel form in Inca style. Anthropomorphic depiction in Inca artwork is rare and this representation is based on a longer and earlier tradition of expressive “portrait vessels” depicting actual individuals in Moche culture (preceding the Incas by 500 or more years). This vessel shows later prehistoric male hair style (bangs on forehead) and facial painting. The vessel was probably used to serve maize beer. The hole in the “chin” shows evidence that a tubular spout (now missing) extended from the vessel and may have been used as a “pacha” vessel for ceremonial drinking of Andean maize beer.