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Whistling Vessel of Llama Carrying Man and Bags

Arts of the Americas

These two ceramic vessels convey the importance of llamas among the ancient Andean cultures. The Lambayeque example representing a man on a llama is unusual, since llamas are normally used as pack animals and are only employed as mounts by merchants during river crossings. Perhaps this vessel represents such a merchant.

The Wari ceremonial cup also depicts a domesticated llama. The gold disc attached to the rope around its neck underscores the animal’s value and ritual importance.
CULTURE Lambayeque
MEDIUM Ceramic
DATES ca. 1100–1400
PERIOD Pre-Spanish
DIMENSIONS 9 3/4 x 4 3/4 x 9 1/2 in. (24.8 x 12.1 x 24.1 cm)  (show scale)
COLLECTIONS Arts of the Americas
ACCESSION NUMBER 36.344
CREDIT LINE Gift of Mrs. Eugene Schaefer
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
CAPTION Lambayeque. Whistling Vessel of Llama Carrying Man and Bags, ca. 1100–1400. Ceramic, 9 3/4 x 4 3/4 x 9 1/2 in. (24.8 x 12.1 x 24.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mrs. Eugene Schaefer, 36.344. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 36.344_acetate_bw.jpg)
IMAGE overall, 36.344_acetate_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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Lambayeque. <em>Whistling Vessel of Llama Carrying Man and Bags</em>, ca. 1100–1400. Ceramic, 9 3/4 x 4 3/4 x 9 1/2 in. (24.8 x 12.1 x 24.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mrs. Eugene Schaefer, 36.344. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 36.344_acetate_bw.jpg)