Small Hemispherical Bowl or Cover Depicting a Masked Performer c. 180 - 500

This small ceramic bowl, created by the Nazca culture of ancient Peru, is decorated with a vibrant polychrome painting depicting a masked performer. Dated to between 180 and 500 CE, the bowl showcases the distinctive Nazca artistic style, known for its intricate and detailed figures. The performer wears a mask with stylized eyes and a large mouth, possibly representing a deity or a figure of importance in Nazca mythology. The bowl's small size suggests it may have been used for ceremonial purposes or as a personal adornment. Its intricate design and vibrant colors highlight the artistic sophistication of the Nazca culture.