Paccha
Unknown Artist
15th–16th century
Medium
Ceramic, pigment
Dimensions
Length 15 in.
Classification
Ceramics-Containers
Culture
Inca
Department
Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Louise Reinhardt Smith, 1995
Accession Number
1995.481.3
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Paccha*, dating to the 15th–16th century, hails from the Inca Empire during its imperial height in the Andes. Crafted by an unknown artist, this ceramic vessel—measuring 15 inches in length—served as a ritual container, reflecting the Inca's deep reverence for agriculture, water, and fertility. The title "Paccha" refers to a specialized type of libation vessel, often used to pour sacred liquids like chicha (fermented corn beer) during to honor earth deities and ensure bountiful harvests. Made from ceramic with applied pigments, the paccha showcases Inca mastery of modeling and...