Drinking vessel ("Kero") with Jaguar Handle

Description "Keros" were conical drinking vessels used throughout the Inka empire for the ritual consumption of "chicha" (maize beer). While the elite drank from gold and silver vessels known as "aquillas," (such as the WAM's 2009.20.241 or 57.2307) local administrators exchanged wooden "keros." The jaguar-like creature clinging to this "kero's" rim may be a "katari," a fantastic animal combining feline and reptilian characteristics.

Exhibitions

• Art of the Ancient Americas. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. 2002-2010.

Provenance Mrs. John A. Stokes, Jr., New York [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 2003, by gift.

Credit Gift of Mrs. John A. Stokes, Jr., 2003