An ancient American vessel, with precursors in the Initial Period, which usually takes the form of a closed globular jar. Its defining characteristic is a hollow loop (or stirrup) of clay attached to the vessel body at both ends with a tubular spout set into it in a vertical plane, usually at its highest point. Common to many Peruvian cultures (e.g. Moche, Chimu), it was greatly exploited by Chavin craftsmen, although it has also been found in many other parts of the New World. See illustration, page 479.
The Macmillan dictionary of archaeology, Ruth D. Whitehouse, 1983Copied