In Ancient Peru, the artists frequently used animals to mirror the actions-- both noble and comic-- of the human race. In this delightful vessel, two upright monkeys carry a playful younger monkey in a sling, as if on a lengthy journey through the jungle. The theme of a child being portered by two adults is quite common in later Peruvian art, perhaps suggesting the royal rank of the infant. With his tail curled around the carrying pole, this playful monkey seems ready to scamper away from his guardians, mischievous as any human child. Though the exact meaning of such a scene has been lost through the ages, its charm transcends all boundaries of time and culture. HT. 20.3cm(8 IN): L.25cm(9 3/4IN)