Pre-Columbian, Peru, Nazca culture, ca. 100 BCE to 800 CE. This is a polychrome deep bowl (kero or quero) with a rounded body and a flaring rim. The exterior is ringed with a row of figures holding trophy heads, with maize designs scattered around on a red background. In Nazca culture - and other ancient Peruvian cultures - the decapitation and ritual use of human heads was common; many mythical figures and kings known from Nazca pottery are shown holding trophy heads or in the presence of trophy heads. This kero shows the unassociated trophy heads, with no one holding them, which is a style of depiction common only to Nazca art. Archaeological evidence from the 20th century shows that these stylized paintings are 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. Size: 4.75" W x 4.5" H (12.1 cm x 11.4 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Private Ventura County, CA collection acquired before 1980

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#118348

Repaired from multiple pieces, with some losses to the base.