Aymara “Tinka” Ceremonial Marriage Bowl
Intricate Details and Artistic Narrative of this
Aymara Marriage Bowl
A rare and finely crafted Aymara Tinka chicha drinking bowl from the Altiplano region of Bolivia, dating to the 16th–18th century. Produced from a single piece of wood, this ceremonial vessel has developed a rich, dark patina over centuries of use. The design features a pair of yoked animals centered in the middle, with side-carved handle straps, a motif that some associate with traditional wedding ceremonies. The term Tinka comes from Quechua and Aymara, referring to a ritual offering or act of reciprocity, reflecting the communal nature of these drinking vessels.
Tinka bowls like this were integral to Andean drinking rituals, where chicha, a fermented corn beer, was shared to honor Pachamama and strengthen social bonds. The presence of yoked animals suggests a symbolic connection to unity, labor, and agricultural prosperity, reflecting both indigenous traditions and Spanish colonial influence.
This vessel measures 15.5 inches (39.37 cm) in diameter and 4 inches (10.16 cm) in height. It remains in excellent condition, with the exception of a professionally restored Age crack in the larger section. This Tinka chicha bowl has an impressive provenance: it was originally held by Greg Manning Galleries in 1997. Later, the Metropolitan Museum of Art issued written instructions for Greg Manning Galleries to transfer the bowl to Howard Rose of Arte Prima. Howard Rose then sold the bowl to Banks Primitive Gallery in Maryland, which subsequently sold it to collector Ron Krannich. This artifact is a significant and documented piece of Andean heritage, making it ideal for collectors of ethnographic and pre-Columbian material culture.
Price: $1,450. – Domestic Delivery Included
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases