Pre-Columbian Chavin pottery snake vessel

The Cupisnique culture (c. 1200–500 BCE) is considered a precursor to the Chavín civilization (c. 900–200 BCE), both of which were central to the development of Andean religion, art, and social organization. The snake was a powerful symbol in these cultures, often associated with water, fertility, and rebirth. In Andean cosmology, serpents also connected the earthly world to the spiritual realms above and below, symbolizing the cyclical nature of existence.

This vessel, with its carefully incised designs and ceremonial form, likely held a central role in rituals involving sacred liquids, such as chicha (fermented maize beer) or water, both of which were integral to agricultural fertility rites and offerings to the gods. 7 1/4" in height x 6 1/2" in width. Ex. K. Gregory collection, Ex. Luisa Merida, Miami Beach, Fl. 1970.