[Aztlan] conical bottom on chicha vessels

[Mario Cabrejos]

> Dear Friends,

Hola Justin.

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> My understanding is that the vessel sits in sand up to the point 
> where the decoration starts, so that the conical bottom is totally
> covered.

What I know is that the conical botton is used as a pivotal point
that helps to incline the piece and serve the masato to the people
that gathers around the vessel, so it should be "free" to reach
maximun inclination. Sand or a vegetable ring could be used if the
intention is to mantain the vessel standing up alone.

The same principle works in the aribalo, the Inca chica vessel,
sometimes so big (have seen some almost 5 feet tall) that has 
a hand piece and two handles.

Saludos cordiales,

Mario