Inca

Room 4, Vitrine 43

Ceramic
Peruvian Southern Highlands
Imperial Epoch (1300 AD – 1532 AD)
ML010876, ML031700, ML031701, ML031703, ML031704, ML031705.

Imperial Inca ceramics are characterized by the urpu, or aryballo, form. A small zoomorphic head, usually that of a feline, was applied to the upper, front part of the main body of the vessel. Another characteristic feature is the addition of ribbon-like handles on cups, pitchers and bowls. The use of several colors, as well as geometric decoration, is evidently an example of the cultural tradition of the south.