An experimental approach to ancient libations in the south central andes: evidence of quero vessels from Arica, northern Chile

Abstract

We measured the volume of 22 quero vessels from northern Chile’s Late Intermediate Period (LIP, 1200–1450 CE) and Late Period (LP, 1450–1530 CE) from the Azapa-15 (CH-5), Playa Miller-4 (PLM-4), and Chaca-5 (CH-5) sites. Additionally, we dated six archaeological contexts and fermented local products (Zea mays, Schinus molle, Prosopis sp., Geoffroea decorticans) to produce experimental chicha beverages. Our results identified five vessel types, with volumes ranging from 350 to 1100 cm³, dating from 1445 to 1470 CE. Experimental chichas exhibited alcohol content ranging from 3.9 to 4.2% (average 4.1%), a value that we will use to calculate the alcohol content in the quero vessels. By comparing our findings with reports from Spanish chroniclers on Inca state libations, we propose that ancient populations in northern Chile used large quero vessels for local ceremonies (Arica-II type), in contrast to the late Inca practice of employing identical pairs of smaller quero vessels. By the mid-15th century, both large and small types of quero were present in Late Intermediate and Late Period cemeteries. The earlier type of quero may have continued to be used in local funerary practices, particularly in rituals of eating and drinking with the dead.