Pot of the Day – Inca Urpu (c. 15th Century)
Although similar in style and function to the amphorae of ancient Greece, the urpu has a distinctive Inca shape, with its low handles, tall neck, and bulbous body. Rather than being strapped into ships like the amphorae, these vessels would have had ropes slung through the handles, around the lug at the base of the neck, and then strapped onto a porter’s back for transportation. They would have contained a variety food and beverages, most commonly chicha (fermented corn beer).
Most urpu bottles are decorated with this distinctive polychrome geometric design - black and red on a cream-colored background. It’s rare to find any kind of representational motifs on these pots; however, some examples have been shown to include khipu designs which is very intriguing!
Photo credit - The Minneapolis Institute of Art
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