Pre-Columbian, Nazca culture, Peru South Coast, ca. 100 to 400 CE. A striking polychrome hand built kero (or quero) vessel decorated with an upper register occupied by severed trophy heads wearing elaborate headdresses and representing the heads of enemy's captured during warfare. Beneath this is another register with panels that present what appear to be their severed limbs. All is skillfully painted in hues of red, orange, chocolate brown, grey, cream, and white. A handsome vessel exemplifying the Nazca style and technique, most likely created to hold the fermented maize beverage known as chicha. Size: 4.375" in diameter x 6.375" H (11.1 cm x 16.2 cm)

Mummified trophy heads date to the pre-ceramic period in ancient Peru. Perhaps the most extensive practice of headhunting occurred along the south coast of Peru in the Nazca and Inca valleys where the early Paracas and succeeding Nazca cultures resided. Head-taking was a significant component of their warfare and religious mythology. A warrior could increase his might and status by capturing prisoners for head-taking. According to scholar Paul A. Clifford, the fact that the lips of trophy heads are pinned shut " . . . implies that head-taking might mean the acquisition of a slain enemy's power or the prevention of his soul or spirit from harming the killer. Pinning lips shut on the trophy head could inhibit the loss of the soul or power embodied within the head." (cf. Art of the Andes: Pre-Columbian Sculptured and Painted Ceramics from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, The Arthur M. Sackler Foundation: Washington D.C., 1983, p. 251.)

Provenance: private collection of Dr. Evan Maurer, former Curator of the Minneapolis Art Institute (USA)

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#132111

Repaired from multiple pieces with minor losses around break lines.