Bowl. Vicus, Peru, c. 100 BCE–500 CE

Bowl. Vicus, Peru, c. 100 B.C.–500 A.D.
Ceramic.
Provenance: private collection, France.
In good condition. The surface retains traces of incised decoration and dark pigmentation, along with signs characteristic of its archaeological age.
Measurements: 15.5 cm in height.

Ceremonial vessel from the Vicus culture, made of reddish ceramic, with a globular body, a tall truncated conical neck, and a side handle. The piece features incised and modeled decoration, notably the zoomorphic motif applied to the body—likely of a symbolic nature—along with bands of geometric and spiral motifs.

Vicus pottery is characterized by the expressive power of its forms, the presence of real or fantastical animals, and a remarkable freedom in the combination of volume and decoration. In this example, the modeled animal is integrated into the structure of the vessel, transforming the cup into a ritual image where function, ornamentation, and symbolism coexist naturally. Due to its typology, scale, and decorative richness, the piece constitutes an interesting example of ceramic production from ancient northern Peru.