Bottle
| Culture | Inca |
|---|---|
| Title | Bottle |
| Date | Ca. 1500 |
| Medium | Clay and pigment |
| Dimensions | rim diameter: 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm) Overall (diameter at widest part): 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm) Object: 6 3/8 in. (16.2 cm) Overall (includes mount): 8 1/8 in. (20.6 cm) |
| Credit Line | Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University |
| Accession Number | 73.70 |
| This artwork is currently on view. | |
Bottles like this one are sometimes referred to in western writings as “aryballos” because their form reminded archaeologists of Greek perfume jars. Bottles of this form were made in a range of sizes with purposes in mind from the everyday to burial contexts. In every context the basic form remained the same, with a rounded body, two handles on both sides, with a long neck and a conical base. While the conical base may seem odd, it is unable to stay upright on a flat surface without support, it allowed the vessel to support itself when set into the earth.
Below the neck of the vessel, there is a small round area that protrudes out and is used to secure the carrying strap so that it does not slip off. In this case, it is simple and smooth, but in many examples, it is a small animal or human head.
Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.
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Cite this page
"Bottle | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2025. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=73.70