Native American polychrome basket from the Altiplano region of South America. a.d. 500- 800. Sometimes recovered from high altitude, dry caves these rare baskets share certain characteristics with Native American baskets from North America including the annular foot seen on the bottom of this basket. The shape is characteristically Andean. It mimics the form of ceremonial drinking vessels used by Andean peoples during the Late Formative Period beginning around 300 - 400 a.d. When made from ceramic, wood, stone or precious metals such vessels are known as keros. Keros were ubiquitous in the Andean highlands until the conquest of the Andean region in the 1530's. They were used during ceremonial occasions for consuming alcoholic beverages. The purpose for a basket in this shape is not clear as they are not water proof and show no evidence of having been coated on the inside with a substance that would have made them practical for holding liquids. i have a small collection of these baskets. They are rare. Images of the others can be seen upon request. These baskets are rarely found in pristine condition. This example is better than most for its state of preservation. Approximately 5" tall and 5" in diameter.