Peruvian Inca Canopa

Canopas are pre-Columbian from north Central Peru, Inca, ca. 1200 to 1532 CE.   Hand-carved, ritual vessels, of a camelid form typically depicting alpacas, llamas, or other camelids.  Often buried in the animals’ corrals to protect the herds as well as promote fertility and virility. The cavity on the back would have been filled with offerings like coca leaves, maize, or animal fat in order to appease the gods.