Minneapolis Institute of Art

Vessel

Chimú artist

Date

11th-15th century

Medium

Ceramic

Culture

Chimu

Department

Arts of the Americas

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

With roots in earlier Andean cultures, the Chimu practiced a polytheistic religion with the Moon God as the supreme deity. This vessel may depict the Corn God. Corn was a prevalent crop with sacred associations. It was fermented to make chicha , a frothy beverage consumed at ceremonial occasions and celebrations. Chicha and maize flour were also common offerings to departed relatives and to the gods. More than fifty varieties of corn are grown in Peru today, however, corn is not indigenous to the Andes region. First cultivated in Mexico 10, 000 years ago, corn migrated to the Andes 3500-4000 years ago, where it remains a staple of Andean cuisine today. Americas

The authoritative record is held by Minneapolis Institute of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.