Vessel (Urpu)

ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-vessels

Culture Inca

Date1450-1550 CE

Made AtPeru, South America

MediumCeramic and paint

Dimensions13 × 11 × 9 in. (33 × 27.9 × 22.9 cm)

Credit LineBowers Museum Foundation Acquisition Fund Purchase

Object numberF81.18.1

DescriptionThe most common type of ceramic vessel found throughout the Incan empire, the urpu was used to hold water, food and chica, a fermented corn beer. Transporting the jars was made easy with the use of ropes which were placed through the handles and then wrapped around the central lug; this allowed the jar to be carried on one's back. The pointed base made it possible to stand the vessel upright when it was set into soft or sandy earth.

On View

Not on view

Collections