One of a Pair of Bowls with Textile-Like Pattern c. 180 - 500

This bowl was made by an artist of the Nazca culture, formed from clay, shaped, and painted. This pre-Columbian civilization flourished in ancient Peru. Looking closely, the bowl’s surface has been covered with red-brown slip. The artist has then drawn a striking textile-like pattern of horizontal and vertical lines. The bowl’s decoration suggests a sophisticated understanding of design principles. The grid-like pattern is very precise and consistent, a testament to the skill of the artist. It would have been fired in a kiln to harden the clay and set the design. It’s worth noting that ancient Andean societies placed high value on textiles, which were often associated with social status and religious significance. By imitating the appearance of woven fabric on a ceramic surface, the artist may have been deliberately referencing this cultural context, blurring the boundaries between different art forms. This integration of materials, processes, and cultural symbolism underscores the rich artistic heritage of the Nazca people.