Bowl
Date: 3rd century B.C.
Geography: Peru, Ica Valley
Culture: Paracas
Medium: Ceramic, post-fired paint
Dimensions: Overall: 3 1/4 in. (8.26 cm) Other: 6 3.8 in. (16.21 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Nathan Cummings, 1963
Accession Number: 63.232.95
This bowl depicts flying anthropomorphic or zoomorphic figures using low-relief incised lines that are emblematic of Paracas designs. This effect is achieved by depicting the figures on their sides with streamers emanating from their heads. A rectangular motif, reminiscent to the geometric figures on the double spout and bridge bottle 64.228.97, separates the figures. Despite this bowl’s limited surface area for decorative motifs compared to the double spout and bridge bottle the artists still achieve a patterned appearance alternating flying figure with geometric figures. The interior of the bowl is painted black. Color was a pivotal component to the techne of Paracas artisans and the patterned use of color on this vessel emphasizes features of these figural motifs, and reinforces the importance of consistent patterns in Paracas visual imagery.
