Chimu modeled crustacean stirrup spout bottle

Chimu modeled crustacean stirrup spout bottle

Discovered in the fertile Andean north coast, this composite ceramic of marine species features the head of a fish, claws of a crab, and shell of a sea turtle. This iconography is very important because these coastal animals were witnessed quite often and were also a vital source of food for the Chimu people. Its shape retains the recognizable stirrup spout bottle form, with two curved spouts from the back of the shell coming together into one larger spout ending. The monochromatic appearance is due to Chimu ceramics rarely being painted, instead, they feature the iconic blackware look that is established from very high-temperature flames and then buffing the surface.

The detail work is done by incising the clay to form the shapes desired by the artist. The ceramic vessel has a black value, though it is a lighter value due to the overall brightness of the reflection of the surface. The shape of the vessel is biomorphic, with emphasis on the morph as it represents a hybrid creature. Compositionally, the focus is primarily on the head and claws as they represent the most difference from the rest of the body. The spout does not seem to be a part of the iconography, instead added to the top to finish the purpose of the vessel.

Chimu

Middle Horizon (600-1000 CE)

Late Intermediate Period (1000-1438 CE)

Late Horizon (1438-1532 CE)

Peru--North Coast

Three dimensional object

Ceramic

25.5 (h) cm.

10 (h) in.

1247-1

H. P. Hill Collection

Art and Art History Collection (AAHC), College of Fine Arts, The University of Texas at Austin

If you would like to publish this image in print or electronically, please contact the Curator of the Art & Art History Collection, Dr. Astrid Runggaldier, at astrid@austin.utexas.edu.