Pre-Columbian, southern Peru, Nazca culture, ca. 100 BCE to 400 CE. A polychrome decorated kero with deep walls and a wide, ovoid mouth, painted to represent a trophy head with the nose in relief. The figure has wide, blank, staring eyes, deep blue shapes underneath the eyes, and painted eyebrows. Other marks on the face may represent tattoos. Size: 6.55" W x 5.45" H (16.6 cm x 13.8 cm)
Archaeological evidence from the 20th century shows that the stylized trophy head form so common to Nazca artwork was based on real rituals. Over one hundred mummified trophy heads have been found from Nazca excavations, almost all with a puncture to the front of the skull for suspension. Archaeologists specializing this culture continue to argue over the significance of these heads in Nazca culture - Warriors fallen in battle? Taking the power of enemies by assuming ownership of a crucial part of their bodies? Remembrance of deceased relatives? The artwork here is an intriguing reminder of this lost culture.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-collection of a New York City, USA doctor
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#141347
Condition
One side has been repaired and restored, with overpaint along the repair lines; this is extremely well done and difficult to discern. Nice remaining original pigment over much of the surface.