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)

Offering Vessel

Artist:Cupisnique

Medium: Carved steatite, pigment

Geograhical Locations:

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)

Collections:

Exhibitions:

Accession Number: 71.23

Image: 71.23_SL1.jpg,

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.

Brooklyn Museum