A Moche Terracotta Corn Popper Vessel, Middle Horizon Period, ca. 500 - 700 CE
A Moche Terracotta Corn Popper Vessel, Middle Horizon Period, ca. 500 - 700 CE
A Moche Terracotta Corn Popper Vessel, Middle Horizon Period, ca. 500 - 700 CE
A Moche Terracotta Corn Popper Vessel, Middle Horizon Period, ca. 500 - 700 CE

A Moche Terracotta Corn Popper Vessel, Middle Horizon Period, ca. 500 - 700 CE

PP2208

Regular price1,500 USD
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • This object qualifies for free and fast worldwide shipping.
The deep orange-colored vessel with a domed body and upturned pointed handle on one side, decorated on one half of the body with cream-colored crosses, the underside with three rows of parallel lines. A very cool and unique piece!

Popcorn (quersu) was a favorite food of the Moche people. When held over heat, the water inside the corn kernels turns to steam and busts through the outer layer. The Moche people developed a special type of vessel called a"corn popper" to hold the kernels over an open flame. The long, separately applied handle allowed them to hold the pot without getting burned, and the small round mouth was designed to keep the popped corn from spilling out. The ceramic form was derived from earlier prototypes made of gourds.

For an effigy vessel of a figure holding a corn popper, see: The Art Institute of Chicago, accession number 1957.416.

Condition: Very minor surface chips, overall intact and in very good condition.

Dimensions: Length: 9 3/4 inches (24.76 cm), Width: 6 1/4 inches (17.15 cm)

Provenance:  Hoffmann collection, Germany, thereafter private NYC collection, acquired from the New York trade in 2007.

Sands of Time provides a lifetime, unconditional guarantee of authenticity and provenance. Every object you purchase from us is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, stating culture, provenance, and age.

Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.

We ship Tuesday to Friday with FedEx and usually same day if your order is received before 2pm. Within the continental USA, packing, shipping and insurance is free. Depending on size and destination, delivery times range from one to five business days.

If we are shipping this object to you overseas, there is no charge for packing, preparation of all customs paperwork, insurance and carrier fees in compliance with all USA and International customs requirements.

We send overseas shipments with FedEx International Priority which usually means two to three day delivery to Europe and the UK, customs willing but contact us if you have a shipping preference. 

Please note: International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes. 

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.