Stirrup Spout Vessel in the Form of a Mythical Figure

Distinctive stirrup spout bottles, such as this example, consist of a main chamber below an arched “stirrup” and single spout on top. Stirrup spout vessels are among the oldest ceramic forms found in the Andean region.

These ancient Peruvian vessels were likely used in rituals that routinely involved drink offerings of chicha, a fermented maize beer, and feasting. Based on well-documented archaeological, historical, and contemporary evidence, ritual consumption of food and drink was an important manifestation of power and social relationships in the ancient Andes.