Queros de madera del collasuyo: Nuevos datos arqueológicos para definir tradiciones (S. XIV-XVI)

Abstract

Taking as starting point the works of Rowe (1961), Núñez (1963) and Espoueys (1974) on the typological definition of wooden queros or ceremonial drinking from the prehispanic South Central Andes, here, I present archaeological evidence of a quero type with a carved feline figure on its upper rim, with contextual and stylistic characteristics that reflect a non-Inca tradition in the Western Valleys (Moquegua, Tacna, Arica). I define this tradition in a way that links it to a larger post-Tiwanaku altiplano tradition, in contrast to regional practices that focused on lizards and human figures. The exploration of this ritual vessel type in different Chilean and international collections reveals that catari queros-although not Inca in origin- constituted an important style for the Inca elite who, given its survival into colonial times, likely held it in high esteem. This paper also details advances in the current understanding of incised Inca queros and "Arica type" quero.