Nazca Polychrome Vessel w/ Flying Shaman & Trophy Heads

Pre-Columbian, South Coast Peru, Nazca, ca. 100 to 300 CE. An early Nazca masterpiece, this polychrome cylindrical beaker presents a magnificent iconographic/decorative program featuring from top to bottom: eleven trophy heads in the upper register, a band of fine-line horizontal striations, three flying shamans/trophy head tasters in the wide central register, and finally, stylized nested red and cream serpents in the lowest register. All is delineated in a beautiful color palette of russet red, creamy beige, tawny orange, black, and chocolate brown hues. Size: 5.125" in diameter x 7.625" H (13 cm x 19.4 cm)

Archaeological evidence from the 20th century shows that the stylized trophy head form so popular in Nazca visual culture was based on actual 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. Did these represent warriors fallen in battle; taking the power of enemies by assuming ownership of a crucial part of their bodies; or possibly the remembrance of deceased relatives? The iconography on this vessel poses such intriguing questions for which we have yet to find answers.

Provenance: ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950s to 1960s

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#150794
Condition Report: Professionally repaired from multiple pieces with restoration over the break lines. Some areas of repainting but very well done. Nice mineral deposits particularly visible on the interior walls of the vessel.