Lot 184
Pre-Columbian, South Coast Peru, Nazca, ca. 200 to 400 CE. A polychrome vessel in the form of a human head with a tall and broad spout that doubles as a cap or headdress. The eyes are open wide with dramatic burgundy spots underneath each, perhaps meant to represent painted blood or tattooing. The head also has a mustache, a projecting nose ridge, and a rectangular mouth with clenched teeth. A black fringe and plaited hair are arranged around the base of the vessel's neck as if hanging out from under the headdress which is painted in red, gray, and white stripes with a broad opening in the top as the vessel's mouth. This fierce expression may have scared away any intruders or robbers from touching the contents inside. Archaeological evidence from the 20th century shows that the stylized trophy head form so common to Nazca artwork was based on real rituals. Over one hundred mummified trophy heads have been found from Nazca excavations, almost all with a puncture to the front of the skull for suspension. Size: 8" Diameter x 10" H (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
Provenance: ex-Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired prior to 2000
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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#170893
- Condition: Repaired visible break lines on neck and rim- a chip along this fissure. Chipping and fading to pigments but motifs are bold and bright.
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| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |