"Small Ceremonial Cup Called Kero - Peru And Salta Province, Argentina - Circa 1400-1550 "
Small CEREMONIAL CUP called Kero La Playa-Inca culture, Peru and Salta province, Argentina
Circa 1400–1550
Wood
H: 5 cm; Diam: 4.7 cm
(old minor wear marks stabilised in the wood, signs of use, some inlays missing, crusty interior patina)
A truncated cone-shaped wooden cup, slightly flared at the neck and decorated with incised designs featuring two superimposed friezes of geometric motifs.
Reserved exclusively for the elite, keros were used in pairs for corn beer – called chicha – during libations or ceremonial rituals. Tradition dictated that two individuals drink together from cups of similar size, craftsmanship and decoration in order to strengthen their bond.
Bibliography:
A similar example is kept at the Musée du Quai Branly under inventory number 71.1908.23.2193, and another at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
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