Chimu Blackware in form of Gourd
Vessel with polychrome decoration, ca. 900 CE
Small vessel with polychrome decoration with exterior bands resembling trophy heads with yellow band outlined in black.
South America, Argentina
Gift of Dr. Stephen S. Goodspeed and Mrs. John Goodspeed Ainsworth
South America, Brazil, Kayapó
Frontal headdress (Meoko) of feather ceremony
Feather headdresses like the one illustrated here figure prominently in the ritual dress of the Kayapó, whose beliefs and worldview are very much integrated with the natural environment in which they live. Worn by adolescents during the intitation rites of Marake, body painting as well as bead and featherwork, are extremely important among this group.
From the Collection of André and Elaine Condon
South America, North Coast, Peru, Inca, Chimu
incised abstract geometric decor filled in white
South America, Peru, Central Coast, Chancay
two-handled jar, geometric patterns on upper body and neck
buff pottery with traces of black pigment
hollow human (dwarf, female?) effigy vessel with fragment of child?
South America, Peru, Central Coast, Inca
South America, Peru, Central coast
South America, Peru, Chancy/Chimu
South America, Peru, Chimu
Gourd shaped vessel with handle
Ceramic gourd shaped vessel freckled with oganic dots and stripes.
Transfer, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Earnest C. Watson
South America, Peru, Inca
South America, Peru, North Coast, Chimu "Style"
Man's head with mustache on spout; coat of arms and Hapsburg Eagle on body
South America, Peru, North Coast, Chimu
Joined Double Vessel with two Figures
In the absence of a written language, the specific narratives on these two vessels from the Chimu culture are still a mystery to anthropologists. With that said, they do impart information about some of the social issues of their day. The terracotta pot refers to the strict social stratification system in Chimu society with the larger and more elaborately dressed figure taking precedent over his smaller counterpart. The two are covered with spondylous (spiny oyster) shells, a highly prized possession, indicating they are of the elite class.
Gift of Dr. Stephen S. Gooodspeed and Mrs. John Goodspeed Ainsworth
Double Body Vessel with Fish Image
In the absence of a written language, the specific narratives on vessels from the Chimu culture are still a mystery to anthropologists. With that said, they do impart info. The blackware pot features a fish which makes reference to the important role the sea played in the daily lives of the Chimu. The Humboldt Current which is located off of Peru, supports a rich array of aquatic life that, even then, sustained the Chimu. With such an abundant food source, it is no wonder the Chimu worshipped the ocean and regularly used aquatic life forms for decoration.
turquoise, mother of pearl, coral and bronze beads
four globes or spheres under stirrup spout, Late Intermediate Period
gourd shape blackware ceramic, Late Intermediate Period
Portrait beaker with incised decoration.
Vessel, Huaca Sculptured Bottle
Single Fragment of Gauze Fabric
South America, Peru, North Coast, Inca, Chimu
South America, Peru, North Coast, Moche
terracotta, polychrome slip, dark red, white and black
South America, Peru, South Coast, Nazca
Nasca modeled double spout with Lucuma decoration.
Globular double-spot bottle with trophy heads and step-frets;The Nasca were situated on the southern coast of Peru and lived in a dry, desert-like environment dependent on fresh water run off from the mountains. Their religion was based on harnessing powerful spirits of the sky, earth and ocean to help them prevent the sudden and catacylsimc events, such as earthquakes, flash floods and droughts, which frequently affected them. The vessels in this vitrine represent two symbols associated with promoting a fertile harvest. The double-spouted jar depicts the Masked Mythical Spotted Cat Deity which takes its basic form from the pampas cat, a feline native to the area who helped prevent mice, from despoiling crops. On the vase trophy heads, or the severed heads of enemies killed in battle, are shown in profile lining the rim. Trophy heads were used as offerings to the gods to guarantee agricultural fertility. The dots of red paint decorating this vessel represent drops of blood from the severed heads.
Nasca straight sided bowl with forest birds, corn, lucuma and pepper decoration.
three fruits? or root vegetables? and single spout
Gift of Dr. Stephen S. Ainsworth and Mrs. John Goodspeed Ainsworth
Polychrome Strap Handled Vessel
Nasca flaring goblet with bloody mouth killer whale and rodents.At the time this vessel was made a severe drought was wreaking havoc on the Nasca. Fearful for the survival of their crops the Nasca depicted bloody mouth killer whale, a mythological creature who protected the fields and helped ensure agricultural fertility. Running along the bottom of the vessel are mice. These rodents were both a blessing and a curse as their presence indicated a good harvest. Too many of them, however, could destroy the crops but the Nasca also used the bloody mouth killer whale deity to help control their population.
Nasca cup bowl with anthropomorphic mythical being with serpentine body.
Nasca rounded bottom bowl with pepper decoration.
Nasca goblet with trophy heads and step-frets.
Nasca cup bowl with stars, qudripartite base.
Nasca bulbous vase with Jiquima decoration.
South America, Peru, South Coast
South America, Peru, Southern Highlands, Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco)
Seated stone holding heads in each hand
Figure is possibly Tiwanaku (or Tiahuanaco) of Southern highlands Bolivia/Peru; AD&AMs figure is clenching a head in each hand illustrating the concept of duality which is an Andean attribute.
Gift of Mrs. MacKinley Helm in memory of Dr. MacKinley Helm
South America, Peru, Vicus
Copper or bronze ceremonial crown (element) with green surface oxidation resulting from prolonged time in burial grounds; the openwork deocration represents two confronting mythological animals.
strip of hard material with geometric design
slate-like object, red thread, brown string.
string-24 1/2; solid-3 5/8 x 1 1/2 x 1/4 inches
Two Sections of Border with fringe
section a: 13 1/4 x 8 1/2 inches section b: 14 x 8 1/2 inches
Three Small Fragments of Gauze Weave
hard material with figures engraved in red & black
Stirrup vessel: monkey astride a bird
South America, Peru, Colonial Inca