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Sacrificer Container

770–890 (radiocarbon date, 95% probability)
(600-1000)
wood and cinnabar
Overall: 10.8 x 7 x 7.5 cm (4 1/4 x 2 3/4 x 2 15/16 in.)
John L. Severance Fund 2007.193
Location: 232 Andean
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Did You Know?

Traces of cinnabar, a toxic mercuric sulfide, are visible on the container's surface.

Description

This container assumes the shape of a magnificent, feline-headed, supernatural sacrificer who draws a knife across the throat of the human it holds in its lap. Severed human heads hang from the feline's belt and dangle by the trachea at the back of its headdress. Sacrifice had a place in Wari religious practice, probably as an unusual and exceptionally precious offering made to entice the benevolence of cosmic forces. Indeed, colonial-period Andean people believed that death was a prerequisite for the renewal of the world.
Sacrificer Container

Sacrificer Container

770–890 (radiocarbon date, 95% probability)

Central Andes, Wari style (600-1000)

See Also

Videos

Sacrificer Vessel

Supernatural Sacrificer

How It Was Used

Human Sacrifice

Examining the Vessel

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