Pre-Columbian, south coast of Peru, Nazca, ca. 220 BCE to 125 CE. An enormous, deep-walled polychrome bowl, its exterior finely decorated with a large trophy head attached to a long serpent body, in hues of red, orange, cream, chocolate brown, and white. The trophy head's eyes are closed and its mouth is pinned or sewn shut - dramatically capturing its demise. Interestingly, this trophy head appears to merge with a serpent body resembling that of the so-called Serpentine Creature whose body is traditionally filled with trophy heads, only his characteristic feline mask has been replaced by that of the sizeable trophy head. A strong example with an amazing iconographic program adorning its exterior walls. Size: 12.75" in diameter x 7.875" H (32.4 cm x 20 cm)

Mummified trophy heads date to the pre-ceramic period in ancient Peru. Perhaps the most extensive practice of headhunting occurred along the south coast of Peru in the Nazca and Inca valleys where the early Paracas and succeeding Nazca cultures resided. Head-taking was a significant component of their warfare and religious mythology. A warrior could increase his might and status by capturing prisoners for head-taking. According to scholar Paul A. Clifford, the fact that the lips of trophy heads are pinned shut " . . . implies that head-taking might mean the acquisition of a slain enemy's power or the prevention of his soul or spirit from harming the killer. Pinning lips shut on the trophy head could inhibit the loss of the soul or power embodied within the head." (cf. Art of the Andes: Pre-Columbian Sculptured and Painted Ceramics from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, The Arthur M. Sackler Foundation: Washington D.C., 1983, p. 251.)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection

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#127016

Repaired from multiple pieces with restoration over the breaklines. Normal surface wear with scuffs to pigment here and there. Still a remarkable example, quite large with a vibrant painted program.