Explore the history of the ancient Andes through ceremonial drinking cups called keros (keru vessels or queros), which appear frequently in Andean art. This video explores the significance of these cups in the ancient Americas, discussing their role in ritual and ceremony. It examines examples from cultures such as Tiwanaku, Sicán (Lambayeque), Chimú, and Inka (Inca), as well as from the Spanish colonial era.

Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank

CHAPTERS

0:00 What is a kero?

0:37 Forms, Designs, and Materials

1:22 Feasting in the Andes

1:54 Keru vessels and the Inka (Inca) Empire

3:00 Spanish colonial changes

Learn more about the Ancient Andes

• Find more resources about the Ancient Andes: https://www.artsq.org/ancient-andes

• Discover more about the global Middle Ages: https://www.artsq.org/medieval-world

• Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history