Lot 68, Auction 4/20/2026: Nazca Polychrome Vessels, Trophy Head Bowl + Kero

$585.00

In stock

Pre-Columbian, South Coast Peru, Nazca culture, ca. 100 CE to 700 CE. A handsome pair of pottery vessels from the Nazca culture. Each is slip-decorated in the distinctive polychrome palette of the south coast of Peru – red, cream, black, and brown – with intricate geometric and figural motifs. The taller kero cup flares elegantly from a slightly rounded base to a wide mouth, its surface adorned with interlocking cross-hatched bands bordered by stylized red and black patterns. The companion vessel is ovoid, its exterior painted with repeated anthropomorphic trophy heads. The taking of heads in battle and ritual decapitation was practiced to appease the gods and ensure agricultural prosperity. Size of largest: 5.25″ W x 4.5″ H (13.3 cm x 11.4 cm)

Condition: Cup is repaired from three pieces, but is all original material. Visible breaklines on the rim and base. Bowl has a stable pressure fissure radiating from the rim towards the base, otherwise intact and excellent.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-Wilmer Sick collection, Baltimore, Maryland (taller vessel); ex-Hollywood, Florida, USA collection (shorter)

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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