Female Figurine c. 350 - 500

This small ceramic figurine was made by the Nazca people in ancient Peru. The figure's surface is painted with a reddish-brown slip, and then decorated with black linear designs. We can see the figure has a rectangular pattern on its torso, along with black hair and geometric features on its arms and legs. The Nazca culture flourished in a desert environment where water was scarce, but their sophisticated irrigation systems allowed for successful agriculture. Nazca society was also highly stratified, with a priestly class holding considerable power. Art like this figurine may have played a role in ritual practices. The decoration on the torso resembles textile patterns that have been found in the region, indicating the importance of the art of weaving. By studying the iconography and archaeological context of Nazca art, we can learn a great deal about their beliefs, social structures, and daily life.