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Libation Vessel with Five Representations of Spondylus Shells
Not on view
Liquids poured into this type of libation vessel (known as a paccha) through the upper spout would exit via a smaller spout at the base. Such vessels were likely used in rituals that underscored the close connection between Spondylus, water, and fertility. The Incas called Spondylus shells the "daughters of the sea, the mother of all waters," and they placed them as offerings in springs and agricultural fields to ensure sufficient water and abundant yields.
Los líquidos vertidos por la embocadura superior de este tipo de vasijas de libación, conocidas como paccha, circulaban dentro de la vasija y salían por una pequeña apertura en la base. Estas vasijas eran probablemente utilizadas en rituales que celebraban el estrecho vínculo entre la concha Spondylus, el agua y la fertilidad. Los incas llamaban a las conchas Spondylus las "hijas del mar, la madre de todas las aguas" y eran colocadas como ofrendas en manantiales y campos agrícolas con el fin de asegurar suficiente agua y cosechas abundantes.
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