Post contact. This rare late Inca vessel is in the form of a Criollo bull (Costeño
con Cuernos). These robust cattle were brought in by the Spanish during the conquest
of the Americas during the 16th century. This center spouted vessel shows a very
healthy and stout animal with small lyre shaped horns. Overall brown slip with additional
red and white paint embellishments. Measures 8.75”/22,22 cm. in length, 6.25”/15,87
cm. in height. Pucara, Peru. Ca. Mid to Late 16th century.
Today, these type ceramic figures are replicated as they became recognized symbolically.
They appear whimsically and called Torito de Pucará. Grown into a traditional talisman
to serve as a reminder to the powerful animal which brought them growth and development
throughout later Andean history.