Minneapolis Institute of Art

Vessel

Inca artist

Date

c. 1470–1560

Medium

Wood, pigment

Culture

Inca

Department

Arts of the Americas

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Chicha - fermented maize beer - was served in keros at Inka religious ceremonies and social celebrations. The imagery on this kero is divided into three registers. At the top, men participate in a procession or mock battle carrying drums, staffs, weapons, and a flag. Two wear Spanish costume; the others are dressed as Antis or Chunchos, enemies of the Inka from the neighboring Amazon region. The middle band is decorated with tocapu - symbolic geometric designs adapted from Andean textiles. Indigenous birds and flowers adorn the lower register. Inca, Peru, Americas

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