COLLECTION NAME:
The AMICA Library
Record
AMICA ID:
CMA_.1951.181
AMICA Library Year:
2002
Object Type:
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Creator Nationality:
South American; Peruvian
Creator Name-CRT:
Peru, North Coast, Chimú style (900-1470)
Title:
Darkware Vessel
Title Type:
Primary
View:
Full View
Creation Date:
900-1470
Creation Start Date:
900
Creation End Date:
1470
Materials and Techniques:
black ware
Classification Term:
Ceramic
Dimensions:
Overall: 20cm x 12.2cm
AMICA Contributor:
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Owner Location:
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
ID Number:
1951.181
Credit Line:
The Norweb Collection
Context:
Under the Chimú, whose empire stretched for 800 miles along the Peruvian north coast, the value of ceramics fell, perhaps because high-status vessels were made of precious metals. Accordingly, ceramics were mass-produced with molds and, rather than bearing painted scenes, often have an overall dark surface achieved by firing in a smoky atmosphere. This firing method was also used for very early Andean ceramics, including the example at the far left. We don't know whether the Chimú revived the method to venerate earlier cultures. The vessel with the stripped surface was made after the Chimú were conquered by the Inka in the late 1400s.
Related Image Identifier Link:
CMA_.AM20020463.tif
