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Inka aryballus vessel

Inka aryballus vessel
AD 1425–1532
Píllaro, Tungurahua Province, Ecuador
Clay, paint
35 x 24 x 21 cm
Collected by Dr. Marshall H. Saville
1/2969

Andeans refer to this style of vessel as raqui because of its shape and function. Raqui vary greatly in size, from miniatures used as offerings to vessels as large as six feet tall used to brew chicha, an alcoholic drink made from corn and consumed during ceremonial gatherings. This raqui was used to brew chicha. To aid fermentation, the lower half of this vessel was buried in Mother Earth. Ropes fastened to the lugs would have enabled an individual to carry the vessel on his or her back.

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