South America, Peru, South Coast, Nazca

1994.3.jpg

Description

Double spout and bridge vessel
200 BCE- CE 600
Ceramic
7 1/4 x 4 x 7"
Globular double-spot bottle with trophy heads and step-frets;The Nasca were situated on the southern coast of Peru and lived in a dry, desert-like environment dependent on fresh water run off from the mountains. Their religion was based on harnessing powerful spirits of the sky, earth and ocean to help them prevent the sudden and catacylsimc events, such as earthquakes, flash floods and droughts, which frequently affected them. The vessels in this vitrine represent two symbols associated with promoting a fertile harvest. The double-spouted jar depicts the Masked Mythical Spotted Cat Deity which takes its basic form from the pampas cat, a feline native to the area who helped prevent mice, from despoiling crops. On the vase trophy heads, or the severed heads of enemies killed in battle, are shown in profile lining the rim. Trophy heads were used as offerings to the gods to guarantee agricultural fertility. The dots of red paint decorating this vessel represent drops of blood from the severed heads.

Date

200 BCE- CE 600

Creator

South America, Peru, South Coast, Nazca

Source

Gift of Antoinette Amorteguy

Identifier

1994.3

Citation

South America, Peru, South Coast, Nazca, “South America, Peru, South Coast, Nazca,” UCSB ADA Museum Omeka, accessed December 12, 2024, http://art-collections.museum.ucsb.edu/items/show/15814.