1975.26.McD Cup (quero) with modeled feline head (Peru, Inka)

Modeled quero forms developed around the middle of the 17th century, representing exclusively feline and human heads. Wear around the rim and body, as well as repairs at the ear, indicate that this feline vessel was actually used. The complex scene along the back is considerably worn; however, almond and diamond shapes along the head and neck likely identify the main form as a jaguar, or otorongo. For the Inca, this wild predator was associated with the untamed eastern quarter, or Antisuyu. The scenes on the back often depict confrontation or social relations between Inca and Antis individuals. During the Spanish Colonial period, the ideological dichotomy between a “tame” Inca and “wild” Antis was perpetuated through these quero designs.

Kimberly L. Jones, PhD, Inca: Conquests of the Andes / Los Incas y las conquistas de los Andes, Label text [1975.25.McD; 1975.26.McD], 2015.

Inka (Inca): AAT: 300017326

Inca horizon: AAT: 300017352

Peru (nation): TGN: 1000056

wood (plant material): AAT: 300011914

carving: AAT: 300053149

incising: AAT: 300053847

relief (sculpture techniques): AAT: 300053622

paint (coating): AAT: 300015029

resin (organic material): AAT: 300012882

inlay (process): AAT: 300053850

modeling (forming): AAT: 300053130

Spanish Colonial (Spanish Renaissance-Baroque styles / styles and periods): AAT: 300107033

Colonial Latin American (Spanish Colonial / styles and periods): AAT: 300018082

Colonial Spanish American (Spanish Colonial / styles and periods): AAT: 300343841

vessels (containers): AAT: 300193015

cups (drinking vessels): AAT: ID: 300043202

ritual vessels: AAT: 300265801

keros (kero cups): AAT: 300265120

quero (kero cups): AAT: 300265120

qero (kero cups): AAT: 300265120

polychrome: AAT: 300252261

figures: AAT: 300189808

feline: DMA

head: AAT: 300262520

faces (animal or human components): AAT: 300251798

ears (human and animal components): DMA

eyes (animal or human components): AAT: 300400484

teeth (animal components): AAT: 300400467

fangs (teeth): DMA

mouth: DMA

jaguar: AAT: 300310389

otorongo (jaguar): DMA

predators: AAT: 300249916

geometric motifs: AAT: 300009764

geometric patterns: AAT: 300165213

lines (geometric concept): AAT: 300056279

diamonds (motifs): AAT:  300009791

circles (plane figures): AAT: 300055627

male: AAT: 300189559

human: DMA

warrior: AAT: 300261945

battles: AAT: 300185692

combat: AAT: 300379752

shields (armor): AAT: 300036869

slings (projectile weapons): AAT: 300037216

maces (weapons): AAT: 300037214

Antisuyu (Peruvian Amazon peoples): DMA

Anti (Peruvian Amazon region / rain forest): DMA

jungles (forests): AAT: 300008869

rainforests (forests): AAT: 300008871

dichotomy (concepts): DMA

bands (decorative): DMA

registers (compositional): DMA

wear (conditions): AAT: 300219449

repairing: AAT: 300053737

Until mid to late 1960s: Private collection, Peru [1]

From at least 1969-1975: Edward L. Shaw, Buenos Aires, Argentina, purchased from the above [1], [2], [3], [4]

From 1975: Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc. [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]

[1] The main source for this provenance is letter from Edward L. Shaw to Margaret McDermott (dated August 15, 1974, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File, Confidential). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[2] This was purchased from a private collection in Peru (n.d.), and received by Edward L. Shaw in Buenos Aires between 1965 and 1969.

[3] The main source for this provenance is existing information in TMS. Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[4] The main source for this provenance is Certificate of Authenticity, Edward L. Shaw (n.d., copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File, Confidential). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[5] The main source for this provenance is Acquisition Record (dated March 19, 1975, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File, Confidential). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[6] The name of the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1933, was changed to the Dallas Museum of Art in 1983.

[7] Works of art given or purchased by The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization, are placed in the custody of the DMA for the purpose of public display on the premises of the Museum or in other recognized art galleries or museum. The title to all works of art purchased (or otherwise acquired) by the McDermott Art Fund remains with the Fund.

Apply to objects where number equals 1975.26.McD