Published / Exhibited Inca Polychrome Pacchas (matched)

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Inca, ca. 1400 to 1550 CE. An extremely rare pair of Inca pachas (ceremonial vessels), each one depicting an aryballoi vessel with circular heads/protuberances incised with eyes and mouths on the front below the spout, resting upon an arm that resolves in a tight fist at the opposite end, both mold-made terracotta and presenting an attractive polychrome finish with black stylized geometric motifs adorning the vessels (zigzag, netted, and striated designs) as well as the wrists (zigzag and striated designs) and the hands (zigzag, netted, and triangular designs). Both have intentional perforations through the knuckle of the middle finger designed to allow libations to pour through. Size: each measures ~ 10.5" L x 6.375" H (26.7 cm x 16.2 cm); 10.25" H (26 cm) on included custom stand.

A label on the base of one of the pacchas states, "Pair of pachas - ritual sprinklers to ensure a good corn crop - from Inca culture, 15th cent. AD. They were found in the Lambayeque region, northern Peru. 247 A"

See an aryballoi paccha (in the form of a chaquitaclla) in the collection of the British Museum (Am1947.10.39). See an aryballoi paccha (in the form of a chaquitaclla with an ear of corn) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession number 1986.383.2).

This pair of pacchas was exhibited and published in Hasso von Winning's accompanying catalogue for "The John-Platt Collection of Pre-Columbian Art" - University of Virginia Art Museum, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA, 1986,figure 262.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Platt-Friedenberg collection before 1980; This pair of pacchas was exhibited and published in Hasso von Winning's accompanying catalogue for "The John-Platt Collection of Pre-Columbian Art" - University of Virginia Art Museum, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA, 1986,figure 262.

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#152640 Dimensions: Condition Report: Minute chips to rims of aryballoi vessels. Expected surface wear with a few scuffs and nicks here and there. Professionally executed repairs with restoration over the break lines. Fine-like decoration is well preserved. Both have intentional perforations through the knuckle of the middle finger designed to allow libations to pour through. Wonderful burnishing marks. Scattered deposits grace the surfaces. Collection numbers handwritten below. A label on the base of one of the pacchas states, "Pair of pachas - ritual sprinklers to ensure a good corn crop - from Inca culture, 15th cent. AD. They were found in the Lambayeque region, northern Peru. 247 A."