Cup Depicting a Masked Performer Holding Staffs c. 180 - 500

This Nazca ceramic cup, dating back to c. 180-500 CE, showcases the distinctive artistic style of the Nazca culture. It is decorated with a highly detailed polychrome painting, depicting a masked figure holding staffs, possibly a shaman or performer. The use of vibrant red, white, and black pigments, along with intricate geometric patterns, is characteristic of Nazca ceramics, known for their complex iconography and artistic mastery. This small yet captivating vessel, currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, offers a glimpse into the rich artistic traditions and cultural beliefs of ancient Peru.