Chimú Ceremonial Cup

Room 8, Vitrine 92

Wood and stone
Peruvian Northern Coast
Imperial Epoch (1300 AD – 1532 AD)
ML400029

Cup made from a pyrography decorated gourd which forms the container and a carved wood feline which forms the handle. The feline is inlaid with seashells and lapis lazuli and one of the feet has natural claws.

In Peru, the making of pyrography decorated gourds is an ancient art which is practiced to this day.