Photograph by B. Bernard
Photograph by B. Bernard
Stirrup-spout jars are Proto-Chimú inventions. They combined elements
from highland Peru with basic Moche ware. These two Proto-Chimú or
Transitional vessels represent an essentially Moche tradition (red ware with
yellow and black slip decoration) with a few Chimú additions (stirrup
spouts, absence of handles except tubular ones related to the stirrup,
abstraction). The subsequent development of Chimú style shows a
tendency to assimilate stylistic traits derived from practically every part
and period of Peru. The eclectic combination of elements inherited from
Proto-Chimú demonstrates the artists' ability to utilize and
manipulate elements of alien origin.
37.9.9, mold-made stirrup-spout jar with "corn man"
Proto-Chimú (A.D. 900)
From Chimbote, between the Santa and Nepeña River Valleys
Gift of Watt Stewart
The jar shown above combines a realistic representation of corn (maize) and simplfied features of a human face into one of many Chimú deities. The jar is 18 centimeters (7 inches) tall, not including the stirrup spout. A second picture, below, shows the corn combs more clearly.
Photograph by B. Bernard
57.5.8, mold-made stirrup-spout jar in form of parrot
Proto-Chimú or Transitional Style (A.D. 900)
Exchange item from the University of California
Chimú representations of animals and birds show a sureness of imagination. Parrots were an especially popular subject. This jar is 14 centimeters (5 1/2 inches) tall. The next photograph shows the jar from a different angle.
Photograph by B. Bernard
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