Feb 11, 2011
Feb 11, 2011
Feb 11, 2011
Feb 11, 2011
Feb 11, 2011
Feb 11, 2011

Bowl with Costumed Being

Bowl with Costumed Being

100 BC-700

Earthenware with colored slips

Diameter: 12.8 x 17.7 cm (5 1/16 x 6 15/16 in.); Overall: 13 cm (5 1/8 in.)

Gift of John Wise 1949.561

Location

Description

Supernatural figures like the one on this bowl are shown wearing ornaments that actually exist-like the nearby Mouth Mask-they may represent humans clothed as deities who served as living cult images during rituals. The figure holds a severed head that probably alludes to capture of an enemy’s life force, since severed heads and fertility are linked in Nasca art.

See also
Collection: 
AA - Andes
Department: 
Art of the Americas
Type of artwork: 
Ceramic
Credit line: 
Gift of John Wise

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