Roof ornament in the form of a church from the town of Quinua in central Peru. Ceramics are often an artform passed down from fathers to sons, molded by hand from local clay and fired in wood-fed brick ovens. and then painted with mineral-based paints in white, red, and black. The style of white-on-red ceramic decoration, as seen on this church, has its roots in the Wari culture, which dates from 500-1000 CE.
The miniature churches are meant to be placed on the roofs of houses, and the sculptors create narrow bell towers to accentuate the illusion of height when viewed from the ground. The figures are part of a tradition of ceramic roof ornaments found across southern Peru. The churches are placed on the roofs of newly occupied houses to protect against evil spirits.
Acquired in Peru during the 1960s – and produced during that same time period; this piece would be at home in a neutral palette whether Boho or Globally-Inspired... to Southwestern, Coastal Modern or one with a Folk Art Aesthetic. Create a collection - please see our other vintage Peruvian pottery pieces.
Place of Origin: Quinua, Peru
Date of Manufacture: 1950s-1960s
Condition: Excellent
Wear: Consistent with age. Please refer to pictures.
Dimensions: 12.5 in. H X 7.5 in. W X 5 in. D
Reference:
Peruvian Roof Ornament, Timothy Y. S. Lam Museum of Anthropology at Wake Forest University
Dr. Ananda Cohen-Aponte, "Introduction to religious art and architecture in early colonial Peru," in Smarthistory, September 26, 2019
"Churches of Latin America: Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús in Cusco, Peru" by Shawn Tribeon in Liturgical Arts Journal March 20, 2024
Experiences of Colonialism in Latin America, Timothy Y. S. Lam Museum of Anthropology at Wake Forest University
Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent Collection of Peruvian Pottery
"Peruvian art conquers the networks once again" by Comisión de Promoción del Perú para la Exportación y el Turismo
"Pucara and the cult of the Peruvian roof ornament" by Notes from Camelid Country, October 23,2012
Explore more Peruvian Pottery at Our Taste Design.
