A Spanish colonial carved corozo and coconut marriage cup, probably Cuzco, Peru, 17th C.

H.: 18 cm - Dia.: 10,5 cm

The central theme on this cup is a traditional Inca wedding, evident in the flower crowns for both bride and groom.
Next to traditional Inca characters, Spanish soldiers are also depicted. This may refer to the mixed marriage between Beatriz Clara Coya, an Inca princess, and Martín García de Loyola, a Spanish conquistador and governor of the Kingdom of Peru. The marriage was of great political importance for the pacification of Peru. Together they had one daughter, possibly the second theme on the cup.

Similar cups often have a silver finish on the top edge and a silver closing plate at the bottom. These are no longer present with this cup.

Condition: (UV-checked)
- Generally in good, stable, decorative condition.
- A horizontal tension crack, probably somewhat reinforced with a resin-type glue. On the inside, some reinforcement paste also showing.
- A number of small superficial chips and superficial tension lines throughout.
- Presented on a later wooden stand.