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Cupisnique. <em>Offering Vessel</em>, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 71.23_SL1.jpg)
Cupisnique. Offering Vessel, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 71.23_SL1.jpg)
Cupisnique. <em>Offering Vessel</em>, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 71.23_SL1.jpg)

Cupisnique. Offering Vessel, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 71.23_SL1.jpg)

Cupisnique. <em>Offering Vessel</em>, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , CUR.71.23_view01.jpg)

Cupisnique. Offering Vessel, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , CUR.71.23_view01.jpg)

Cupisnique. <em>Offering Vessel</em>, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , CUR.71.23_view02.jpg)

Cupisnique. Offering Vessel, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , CUR.71.23_view02.jpg)

Cupisnique. <em>Offering Vessel</em>, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.71.23.jpg)

Cupisnique. Offering Vessel, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.71.23.jpg)

Cupisnique. <em>Offering Vessel</em>, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view01_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. Offering Vessel, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view01_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. <em>Offering Vessel</em>, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view02_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. Offering Vessel, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view02_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. <em>Offering Vessel</em>, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view12_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. Offering Vessel, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view12_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. <em>Offering Vessel</em>, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view06_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. Offering Vessel, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view06_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. <em>Offering Vessel</em>, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view10_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. Offering Vessel, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view10_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. <em>Offering Vessel</em>, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view08_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. Offering Vessel, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view08_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. <em>Offering Vessel</em>, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view04_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. Offering Vessel, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view04_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. <em>Offering Vessel</em>, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view05_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. Offering Vessel, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view05_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. <em>Offering Vessel</em>, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view11_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. Offering Vessel, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view11_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. <em>Offering Vessel</em>, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view07_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. Offering Vessel, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view07_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. <em>Offering Vessel</em>, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view03_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. Offering Vessel, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view03_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. <em>Offering Vessel</em>, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view09_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

Cupisnique. Offering Vessel, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Julia Burtenshaw, CUR.71.23_view09_Julia_Burtenshaw_photograph.jpg)

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Offering Vessel

Arts of the Americas

The Cupisnique people produced carved stone bowls embellished with complex mythological beings. The figure on this vessel represents a spider with two human arms and legs, and eight radiating trophy heads. It holds a knife in one hand and a decapitated head in the other. A snake emerges from a Strombus shell in the genital area.

The trophy heads allude to the figure’s supernatural powers. The spider may be associated with fertility rituals and stories of human sacrifice.
CULTURE Cupisnique
MEDIUM Carved steatite, pigment
  • Place Made: North Coast, Peru
    • DATES 900–200 B.C.E.
    DIMENSIONS 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm)  (show scale)
    COLLECTIONS Arts of the Americas
    ACCESSION NUMBER 71.23
    CREDIT LINE Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Carved stone bowl with an image in relief of a spider with two human arms and legs, and eight radiating trophy heads. The spider holds a knife in one hand and a decapitated head in the other. A snake emerges from a Strombus shell in the genital area. The trophy heads allude to the figure’s supernatural powers. The spider may be associated with fertility rituals and stories of human sacrifice. Condition: good.
    EXHIBITIONS
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Cupisnique. Offering Vessel, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 71.23_SL1.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 71.23_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
    "CUR" at the beginning of an image file name means that the image was created by a curatorial staff member. These study images may be digital point-and-shoot photographs, when we don\'t yet have high-quality studio photography, or they may be scans of older negatives, slides, or photographic prints, providing historical documentation of the object.
    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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    Cupisnique. <em>Offering Vessel</em>, 900–200 B.C.E. Carved steatite, pigment, 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.8 x 16.8 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society and Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 71.23. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 71.23_SL1.jpg)

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