The Chimu Empire produced millions of pots. Many of these were stirrup-spout vessels that are were routinely placed in graves. Liquid could be easily poured into the vessel but it was more difficult to remove, perhaps reflecting their common use as an offering to the dead. In this highly burnished example, the only decoration is a monkey draped over the handle. Monkey are often depicted in Chimu art, a reflection of the region's ties across the Andes and into the jungle.