Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Inca, ca. 15th to early 16th CE. A wonderful Inca kero, carved from a single piece of wood to create a gracefully flared tumbler vessel, with incised geometric motifs likely inspired by textile patterns. Skillfully hand-carved (rather than made on a lathe) and incised with an upper register of checkerboard-like woven motifs and a lower register of running triangular motifs, this vessel was most likely used for drinking Chicha - a fermented corn beer favored by the indigenous. Size: 5.25" W x 6.5" H (13.3 cm x 16.5 cm)

See a similar example at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession number 1994.35.11).

Provenance: ex-New York, New York, USA collection; ex private West Virginia, USA collection, acquired 1960s to 1970s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#156454

  • Condition: Minor abrasions to walls and rim, with water damage to base and basin floor, and very light softening to exterior details, otherwise intact and very good. Great patina throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

August 13, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000