Oval Flute Painted with Serpent and Abstract Star Motifs c. 180 - 500

This oval-shaped, terracotta flute from the Nazca culture, dating back to c. 180-500, features intricate painted motifs. The surface is adorned with a serpent winding its way across the surface, its eyes and scales meticulously detailed in black and white paint. Interspersed are abstract star-like designs in red, black, and white, creating a vibrant and dynamic composition. This small artifact, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, provides insight into the artistic and musical traditions of the ancient Nazca people.