Jar Depicting a Head with Face Painting c. 180 - 500

This Nazca ceramic jar, dating back to c. 180-500, depicts a stylized human head with geometric facial features and bold colors. The Nazca people, known for their intricate geoglyphs in the Peruvian desert, also produced exquisite ceramic vessels, often depicting stylized figures, animals, and geometric patterns. This jar, with its vibrant red, black, and white pigments, exemplifies their mastery of pottery and serves as a testament to their artistic skill and cultural beliefs. The jar is currently housed at The Art Institute of Chicago.