South America, Peru, South Coast, Nazca

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.

200 BCE- CE 600

Gift of Antoinette Amorteguy

1994.3