kero
9.9
A decorated wooden or metal cup used in ceremonies in the Andes, often by the Inca
- noun
:
kero
- At the festival, participants raised their keros in a toast, honoring their ancestors and the rich cultural heritage of their people.
Examples
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The kero displayed elaborate designs, showcasing the artistry of its maker and its significance in Inca rituals.
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Two dozen or more lords, each raising a uniquely decorated kero, toasted one last time, then smashed the ceramic drinking vessels on the floor of the brewery.
Academic text (2010) -
During the ceremony, each guest took turns drinking from the beautifully crafted kero, celebrating the ancient traditions of the Andes.
Synonyms
1
9.9
A shallow bowl used for drinking alcohol in Scandinavian ceremonies
is used in Andean ceremonies rather than northern ceremonial contexts
9.9
A shallow cup with two handles used in ancient Greece for wine
is used in Andean ceremonial rites, not Greek social drinking
Compounds
How Ornate
Surface Forms
Etymology
Kero comes from the Quechua word qiru, which meant 'cup' used by the Inca in ceremonies. These cups were often carved and painted, so a kero today is remembered as a decorated ceremonial drinking cup.