Torito de Pucara Antique Pottery Peruvian Bull Vessel

What a proud and handsome bull! This Torito de Pucara we believe to be from the early 20^th century. Since 1908 these bulls or Torito de Pucaras have been traditionally sold at the Pucara train station. Originally used in marking ceremonies, cattle branding; for procreation of livestock, and for protection, happiness and fertility in married life; these ceramic bulls have become a symbol of the Peruvian Andean south identity. The white color of the bull symbolizes purity and protection. And, each of the other elements, including the hole in the back for filling the vessel; the handle; the glaze; and each design used in decoration; as well as the bulls bulging eyes, signify their own element of symbology. The bulls which are vessels, as is this one, are sometimes filled with chichi, fermented corn beer, or wine and, at times, is mixed with cattle blood to be drunk by a high priest conducting the ceremony. This tradition dates back more than 2500 years to the origin of the myth of Pukara Rock and an offering to the God Pachakamaq in exchange for abundance of rain or water. These Torito de Pucara are often used as roof ornaments as well. Prior to moving into a newly constructed house people place two bulls in the middle of the peak of the house and facing in the same direction as the house with a cross rising between the two for a symbol of protection and happiness. This stately and magnificent bull will be a wonderful addition to your collection of native folk art or singly as a beautiful object d’art anywhere you place him.