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Bowl of the Nazca culture

Price: on request
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Object number
AR3405D
Object: Painted bowl of the Nazca culture

Material: Pottery with white primer and polychrome paintings.

Period: Middle Nazca,
C. 450 to 600 AD.

Description:    The tall bowl increasingly widens towards the top and closes at the bottom with a convex base. The overall impression is dominated by the colourful painting. The entire outside is primed white and bears polychrome abstract people and masks, possibly a depiction of a deity.

Background: The Peruvian Nazca culture develoepd since 200 BC from the oases of the river valleys of the Río Gránde. It must not be thought of as a centralized state but rather as loosely associated settlements. The settlers coped with the extremely dry climate of the region by constructing and operating subterranean irrigation channels. The resulting flourishing agriculture allowed a versatile but singular culture to develop. Most famed today are the Nazca Lines. Large abstract figures drawn in the desert floor. They are so huge they can only be seen from high altitudes as a whole.
Nazca pottery is characterized by fine clay and thin walls that are decorated with scenes in bright colours.

Dimensions: 6.2cm height, 12.5cm diameter.

Condition: Professionally restored from several large sherds, no additions. The paintwork is in great condition, with only minor chips on the outside, but these don't spoil the overall impression. All in all a very nice vessel.

Provenance: Acquired in 2022 on the German art market. Previously in the German private collection H. S. Since the 1970ies or earlier in Germany.

Literature: A. Kroeber, The Archaeology and Pottery of Nazca.

Authenticity: We unconditionally guarantee the authenticity of every artefact, all items are subject to our lifetime return policy on authenticity.