Chancay Cuchimulco Pottery Figure

Big round eyes, a small open mouth and a cup held carefully to the chest, as though someone has just been offered seconds.

This Chancay cuchimulco pottery figure is Chancay, from Peru, and dates to 1000 – 1470 CE. It is terra cotta. Chancay figures called cuchimilcos are usually found in burials and are generally thought to have served as companions or guardians. Here the figure forms a jar, its open mouth at the top of the head. The face has round eyes and painted tear-like streaks. Arms in pale slip curve around to hold a small cup, and two looping legs are painted on the belly. It is 14.75 inches high and 6.25 in diameter.

Patient company, for a very long time.