1989.W.234 Aryballos with geometric designs (Peru, Inka)

The most ubiquitous Inca-vessel type was the aryballos, so-called for its similar form to the Greek vessel. The aryballos is identifiable through its long neck and pointed base, which fixed the vessel into the ground. Two side handles and a modeled lug on the upper shoulder allowed for ease in transport by securing a rope through the handles and over the lug to maintain its position on the porter’s back. The wide body with constricted neck was effective for containing maize beer, while the flaring lip permitted the contents to be poured into drinking cups. Aryballoi vary in size depending on the designated feast. The vessels recovered from Cuzco often exhibit geometric designs on one face. As the Inca expanded their impact on neighboring populations, the vessel form was adapted to local established styles.

Kimberly L. Jones, PhD, Inca: Conquests of the Andes / Los Incas y las conquistas de los Andes, Label text, 2015.

Inka (Inca): AAT: 300017326

Inca horizon: AAT: 300017352

Inca Empire: TGN: 6002741

Peru (nation): TGN: 1000056

ceramic (material): AAT: 300235507

clay: AAT: 300010439

slip (clay): AAT: 300010459

slip glaze: AAT: 300015110

paint (coating): AAT: 300015029

resin (organic material): AAT: 300012882

modeling (forming): AAT: 300053130

coiling (pottery technique): AAT: 300053903

firing (technique): AAT: 300053887

Late Horizon Period: AAT: 300017332

vessels (containers): AAT: 300193015

aryballoi (containers): AAT: 300198885

aryballos (containers): AAT: 300198885

urpu (urppus / vessels): AAT: 300410722

ritual vessels: AAT: 300265801

ground (material): AAT: 300015297

lip spouts: AAT: 300203343

handles: AAT: 300024927

lugs (knobs): AAT: 300190784

rope: AAT: 300014248

porters (baggage carriers): AAT: 300025868

chicha (food / maize beer): AAT: 300411637

beer (food / alcoholic beverage): AAT: 300302722

maize (zea mays species): AAT: 300375398

cups (drinking vessels): AAT: ID: 300043202

ritual (events): AAT: 300065284

feasts: AAT: 300069097

polychrome: AAT: 300252261

geometric motifs: AAT: 300009764

geometric patterns: AAT: 300165213

diamonds (motifs): AAT:  300009791

lines (geometric concept): AAT: 300056279

wave pattern: AAT: 300009936

bands (decorative): DMA

Until 1976: Nora and John Wise, New York [1]

1976-1989: Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, on long-term loan from the above [1], [2]

From 1989: Dallas Museum of Art, the Nora and John Wise Collection, bequest of Nora Wise [1]

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

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

Apply to objects where number equals 1989.W.234