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Pottery Bottle, Peru, South America
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Cornwall Museum
Pottery Bottle, Peru, South America
This bottle is likely to have been made by the Chim├║ people, who lived in northern Peru. It dates from AD1100-1300 and depicts a human-like figure holding a monkey. Much Chim├║an pottery incorporates representations of human-like characters and animals, usually monkeys or seabirds, into their design. The geometric patterns on the pot are thought to represent waves, representing the cultures relationship with the sea and maritime excursions. The consistency of the shapes and decorations are often achieved via the mass production technique of press moulding. The Chim├║ are best known for making black pottery, which is thought to have been accomplished by reducing oxygen levels during the clay firing process. Before firing the clay, they would often burnish the vessel in order to give it a unique silver sheen; it is because of this that Chim├║an pottery was very rarely painted. The majority of Peruvian pottery is black in colour, characterised by a distinctive metallic look. The bottle is 21.0 cm high and 15.0 cm wide. TRURI : 1927.49
Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture
TRURI : 1927.49
Media ID 18833281
© RIC, photographer Mike Searle
Ancient Face Chimu Earthenware Handle Ware
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This print showcases a remarkable Pottery Bottle from Peru, South America. Believed to have been crafted by the skilled Chimú people who inhabited northern Peru during AD1100-1300, this artifact is a testament to their artistic prowess and cultural significance. The bottle features an intricate design depicting a human-like figure holding a playful monkey. This representation of both humans and animals was commonly incorporated into Chimú pottery, with monkeys and seabirds being popular choices. The geometric patterns adorning the pot are thought to symbolize waves, reflecting the close relationship between the Chimú culture and maritime exploration. To achieve consistency in shape and decoration, press moulding techniques were employed for mass production. The distinctive black color of Chimú pottery was achieved through reducing oxygen levels during firing, resulting in a unique metallic sheen that sets it apart from other Peruvian ceramics. Measuring 21.0 cm in height and 15.0 cm in width, this exquisite piece is housed at the Royal Cornwall Museum (TRURI: 1927.49). Photographer Mike Searle has expertly captured its beauty through this print which allows us to appreciate its fine craftsmanship up close. Through artifacts like this Pottery Bottle, we gain insight into ancient cultures' creativity and mastery of materials while preserving their rich history for generations to come.
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