Double Spout Vessel Depicting a Costumed Ritual Performer with Sharks c. 180 - 500

This double-spout vessel from the Nazca culture, dating back to 180-500 CE, depicts a ritual performer adorned in a feathered costume, likely participating in a ceremony. The vessel is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the Nazca people, known for their intricate ceramics and their depictions of daily life and religious beliefs. The vessel, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases the Nazca’s unique style of pottery and its importance in ritualistic contexts. The vessel's form and decoration, along with its two spouts, suggest its use as a ceremonial object, possibly for pouring libations or offering drinks to deities.