Open-Neck Cup Depicting Abstract Figures and Decapitated Heads c. 180 - 500

This open-neck cup, a significant piece of Nazca art, is decorated with intricate designs of abstract figures and decapitated heads. The cup, dating from c. 180-500, is a testament to the artistic mastery of the Nazca culture, known for their mastery of ceramics and complex iconography. The use of red and black pigments on a white background enhances the vibrancy of the imagery. The cup, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, is a valuable artifact that provides insights into the beliefs and rituals of the ancient Nazca civilization.