Open Bowl with Rows of Repeated Abstract Motifs c. 180 - 500

This open bowl with rows of repeated abstract motifs was made by the Nazca people. The Nazca civilization flourished in ancient Peru from around 100 BC to 800 AD. Their art, especially pottery, provides insights into their beliefs and social structures. This bowl is an example of their sophisticated ceramic artistry, where the painted designs may represent stylized figures or symbolic elements important to their culture. The repetition of these motifs could indicate their significance within Nazca cosmology or social practices. Crafted by skilled artisans, the bowl reflects the Nazca's deep connection to their environment and spiritual world. The colors and designs are not merely decorative but carry cultural meanings, potentially related to agricultural cycles, religious rituals, or social hierarchies. Consider the hands that shaped this bowl, the community that used it, and the beliefs it represents. It serves as a tangible link to a society with a rich and complex understanding of the world.