Beaker in the Form of a Seated Female with Tatoos and Body Paint c. 180 - 500

This is a ceramic beaker in the form of a seated woman, created by an artist from the Nazca culture. It is an earthenware vessel, decorated with slip paint. The Nazca people inhabited the arid coastal region of Peru from around 100 BCE to 800 CE. The figure is adorned with body paint and tattoos, communicating her identity and status, as well as the beliefs and values of her community. The face is particularly striking, with its bold lines and geometric patterns. The tattoos suggest a connection to spirituality and ritual. The creation of this beaker was a deeply personal expression, reflecting the cultural and social landscape of the time. While the beaker may have had a practical use, its artistic merit suggests a deeper symbolic meaning. It encapsulates the intimacy and complexity of a life lived over two thousand years ago. It offers a glimpse into the daily lives, belief systems, and artistic practices of the Nazca people.