Bowl
Artist/Maker
Nasca
(South Coast, Peru) Date1-700
Mediumpottery and slip paint
DimensionsOverall: 9 x 12 1/4 in. (22.9 x 31.1 cm)
ClassificationsContainers
Credit LineMuseum purchase through funds from Mr. and Mrs. Harold Kaye
Object number61.070.003
DescriptionThe Nazca polychrome tradition grew directly out of the previous Paracas tradition but utilized fired, highly polished pigments. Relatively simple, polychrome animal motifs, and liberal use of a plain ground, indicate the early Nazca period. The central figure of a serpentine creature possibly represents a cat-like otter or feline deity with a winged forehead ornament and strings of discs, ending with trophy heads, hanging beside the head. The two serpents on the back of the vessel form the body of the creature.
