{"product_id":"pre-columbian-inca-wooden-kero","title":"Pre-Columbian Inca Wooden Kero","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePre-Columbian Inca Wooden Kero\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeru, Inca Empire, ca. 1400–1532 CE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA finely carved wooden kero (qero) of classic Inca form, featuring deeply incised geometric decoration composed of alternating triangular motifs filled with parallel linear hatching. Ceremonial drinking vessels such as this were used by the Inca nobility during ritual feasting, diplomatic gatherings, and religious ceremonies, often serving as symbols of status, reciprocity, and social alliance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe vessel displays a rich, dark patina developed through centuries of age and handling, highlighting the craftsmanship of the carved design. Particularly noteworthy is the presence of an ancient indigenous repair visible along one side and within the interior. Such repairs demonstrate the value placed upon these vessels by their original owners, who chose to preserve and continue using them rather than discard them. Evidence of long-term use and preservation provides an important historical dimension rarely encountered in surviving examples.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 6 1\/8 inches (15.6 cm) high\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEx Private New York Collection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEx James Cole Collection, California.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAncient repair with associated old stabilization visible along the sidewall and interior. Age cracks, expected surface wear, and minor abrasions consistent with age. Rich patina throughout. Structurally stable and highly displayable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn authentic and visually striking example of Inca ceremonial woodwork, distinguished by its elegant form, strong geometric carving, exceptional patina, and compelling evidence of ancient indigenous repair.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Minerva Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53263644918057,"sku":null,"price":600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/2762\/2185\/files\/26C6254E-52EC-433D-B886-57FA2A4AE47C.jpg?v=1781362822","url":"https:\/\/minerva-gallery.com\/products\/pre-columbian-inca-wooden-kero","provider":"Minerva Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}