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Nazca Stirrup-Spout Bottle with Costumed Ritual Performer

Nazca Stirrup-Spout Bottle with Costumed Ritual Performer

Regular price €1.250,00
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Pre-Columbian era, Nazca civilization, Middle Nazca (phase 5), c. 450–550 AD, Peru.

This absolutely gorgeous hand-built double-spouted bridge bottle, dating to the Early Intermediate period, is a stunning testament to ancient Peruvian artistry. Depicting a costumed ritual performer adorned with a feline mask and serpent-like attire, the figure carries weapons and trophy heads—symbols associated with kingship and human sacrifice. The performer also features a detailed forehead ornament and a mouth mask with horizontal flaps, beautifully capturing the ceremonial essence of the era. Masterfully painted in shades of grey, orange, brown, black, and cream, this piece embodies the rich tradition of Nazca pottery.

The Nazca civilization thrived in ancient Peru, particularly around the ceremonial site of Cahuachi, where local chiefdoms and centers of power practiced agricultural and fertility rituals. Known for their polychrome pottery, Nazca artisans skillfully created vessels like this one using the coiling method, where clay tubes were spiraled to form the vessel’s body, later smoothed by hand and decorated using earth minerals. Their art, especially their depiction of severed heads, reflected their cultural practices, including their headhunting cult. The vivid iconography painted on Nazca pottery conveyed shared religious practices and preserved their history, serving as an essential means of communication in the absence of a written language. Far from mere utilitarian objects, these vessels were used in rituals, offered as burial gifts, and admired for their intricate decoration, highlighting the spiritual and artistic sophistication of the Nazca people.

Fascinating pottery jar are in excellent condition. Minor abrasions, chip and nicks spout rim, with minimal fading to exterior pigment, and hairline fissure, otherwise intact. Great preservation to painted decorations throughout. Size approx. 16,0cm x 12,0cm x 12,0cm. 

Provenance: Swedish private collection.

For a similar examples see:

Stirrup-spout Bottle, The Walters Art Museum, Accession Number: 2009.20.109 (https://art.thewalters.org/detail/80264/stirrup-spout-bottle-2/)

Bottle with masked figure, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 64.228.69 (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/308570)

Bridge-spouted Bottle with Anthropomorphic Mythical Being or Warrior, Gardiner Museum, Accession Number: G83.1.188 

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  • Returns

    Returns and exchange will be accepted within fourteen days (14) of receipt at the purchaser’s cost to include freight and packaging. Items must be returned in the same condition as when they were shipped, and will not be accepted if damaged or altered in any way. Please inform us via email (info@gotanmaailma.fi) or by calling +358408408352 before sending. We do not accept returns more than 14 days after delivery.