Beaker with Horizontal Bands Containing Abstract Figures c. 180 - 500

This beaker with horizontal bands containing abstract figures was made by the Nazca people of ancient Peru. It is made of pigment on earthenware. The decoration here seems to be derived from the natural world, though highly stylized. We can see, by looking at the cultural context of the Nazca people, that such images are likely to have had social and religious significance. The Nazca lived in a desert environment and their culture was highly dependent on successful agriculture. Painted ceramics like this were used in ritual contexts, perhaps as offerings to ensure the success of harvests. While we cannot be sure of the specific meaning of the images, we can use archaeological evidence and anthropological theory to gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which art was used to support social structures in ancient Peru. By researching ancient sites and artifacts we may be able to say much more about this mysterious piece.