Vessel (Aryballos) with Relief Depicting Birds and Fish Possibly 1200 - 1450

This nearly 20cm high vessel, made by the Chimú-Inca, presents a study in contrasts: its smooth, rounded body is disrupted by a slender, cylindrical neck, while the lower half’s tactile roughness gives way to the upper half’s meticulously detailed reliefs. The symmetrical placement of handles on either side adds to the vessel’s structural balance. The visual language of the vessel is especially compelling. The frieze of birds and fish suggests a symbolic system, where these motifs might represent the natural world or cultural values of the Chimú-Inca people. The birds, possibly herons, stand within gridded rectangular frames, evoking a structured, almost regulated view of nature. The textured background contrasts with the smooth figures, drawing attention to the symbolic importance of these reliefs. Through its use of form and symbol, the vessel becomes more than just a container. It's a complex cultural artifact, inviting us to decode its visual components and explore its possible meanings within the broader context of Chimú-Inca society.