Salinar

A pottery style which followed Cupisnique in the Chicama and Virú Valleys of north Peru, c 200 BC-200 AD. It is distinguished by modeled vessels, pots with stirrup spouts, and whistling jars. Some vessels have simple white patterns over a red slip. The transition from Cupisnique is evidenced in a shift from reduced-fired to oxidized-fired ceramics and the introduction of new forms and decorative techniques. Salinar introduces the handle-and-spout vessel, although the Chavinoid stirrup-spout form continues. The characteristic decoration is broad white painted bands and dots, sometimes outlined with incision. Salinar gave way to the Gallinazo and then Mochica styles.

Culture centred on the Chicama Valley of north-coast Peru, at the beginning of the Early Intermediate Period. Salinar, together with the slightly later Gallinazo phase, is seen as a transitional culture between Cupisnique and Moche. This transition is evidenced in a shift from reduced-fired to oxidized-fired ceramics and in the introduction of new forms and decorative techniques. Salinar introduces the handle-and-spout vessel, although the Chavinoid stirrup spout form continues. The characteristic decoration is broad white painted bands and dots, sometimes outlined with incision. Lifefigure modelling also occurs but the once popular feline motif of Chavin disappears.