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Snarling Feline Effigy Bottle

Dateca. 1300-1470
MediumBlackware
DimensionsHeight: 6 1/2 inches (16.5 cm)
CultureChimu (Peru)
PeriodLate Intermediate Period
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineTransfer from the Sociology - Anthropology Department. Spring 1956.
Terms
  • Perú
  • Ceramics
  • Blackware
  • Animals
  • Cats
  • Chimu
Object number56.172
Label CopyThis Chimú animal head effigy bottle is made of burnished blackware. The full face on the front of the mold-made vessel body is that of a snarling feline with whiskers, round nose, open mouth showing teeth, and small rounded ears. A ribbon handle curves from the vessel shoulder to the base of the flared spout. Cats of all sorts are common motifs on Peruvian ceramics from all time periods; the snarling feline is a symbol of power and prestige.
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