GJPaw auctions is pleased to offer an antique hand-carved wood Quero Chicha (maize Beer) Bowl, Quechua People, Bolivia. The Quechua are a group of indigenous South American tribes living mostly in Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. The term quechua refers more to the language than a concrete ethnic group. As direct descendants of the ancient and highly civilized Inca Empire, Quechuan culture was one of the most advanced in the western hemisphere before the coming of Spanish conquerors in the 16th century. Quechua religion combines both pre-Columbian animist and Catholic elements. The most significant pre-Columbian influence that endures is the belief that supernatural forces govern everyday events, such as weather and illness. They believe that in order to appease Pachamama, the Earth Mother spirit, they must make some form of sacrifice or "Pago a la Pachamama"  ("payment to the Pachamama"), such as an animal sacrifice or the pouring out of alcohol from vessels. This ritual is celebrated by each extended family and carried out by a religious specialist called "alto misayoq" or "paqo" at the start of the agricultural year in August. The quero is a traditional kind of cup used by the quechua during such festivals for pouring chichi, a kind of beer made of corn. This superb example is carved from a single piece of wood, with handles either side, and two bulls standing in the centre of the bowl. The bull is auspicious, meaning good luck in the wish to avert misfortune, and as a symbol of power represents the might of the Spanish conquistadors. The bowl measures 8.5 inches in width by 8.5 inches in depth by 2.25 inches in height (21.5 cm by 21.5 cm by 5.71 cm). It shows wear consistent with a dating to the early 20th century, but generally is in very good condition. This would make an exceptionally fine addition to any collection of Andean tribal art.

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