Pre-Columbian Chimu Blackware. Stirrup Vessel. Peru
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The Chimu Kingdom culture – a large adobe city in the Moche Valley near the present day city of Trujillo – began their rise in 900 AD. They were masters in crafting black pottery in various shapes and forms.
I started being interested in their rather obscure culture in 2010, when the surrounding civilizations – Moche and Inca – overshadowed their presence.
But in 2011 they entered the spotlight when a group of archaeologists found the first mass burial site – and then a second – containing 269 children near Huanchaquito. It happened 500 years ago and just a few decades after the Inca vanquished them.
From what is known, it appears the Chimu experienced a few severe El Nino seasons that shook the political and economic stability of the kingdom. It is theorized that priests and leaders may have ordered the mass sacrifice in a desperate attempt to persuade the gods to stop the rain and general chaos.
This stirrup vessel is from 1000 – 1300 AD. Molded designs throughout including depictions of warriors. Two lizard heads on eight side of the spout and a band of glyphs encircle the entire vessel. There is a small “probing” hole on the side and a couple of chips on the spout. Stand not included.
Acquired from a Boston Collection. For the Serious Collector.