Large oval jar with the neck representing a human head. The face is slightly modelled, with nose and chin in full relief, but with eyes and hair painted. The upper section of the jar is painted to represent a poncho worn over the shoulders. The poncho is striped vertically in dark brown, rust, and cream on the front and in the back in stripes of dark brown only, possibly to represent the hair of the figure. This jar is interesting as illustrating the manner in which ponchos were worn. Late Nazca per Schoeler--MWS.

Jar, 3rd century BCE - 6th century CE

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On View in Gallery 255expand_more

Although many early Andean textiles have been lost to time, ancient ceramics like this jar accurately document them, show how garments were worn, and offer sources of inspiration for later artists. This large round jar exhibits remarkable symmetry of form, considering it was built by hand; the potter’s wheel was not in use at this time in the Andes. The jar was made by a coastal Nazca artist approximately 1500 years ago and depicts a man wearing a hat and a striped poncho. Each element of his attire is recognizable yet abstracted by the artist to create overall harmony between the the three-dimensional form of the vessel and the painted-on decoration. The figure’s poncho bears a striking resemblance to a 20th century poncho on view nearby, highlighting a continuity of garment types and designs.

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Details
Title
Jar
Role
Artist
Accession Number
44.3.2
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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Large oval jar with the neck representing a human head. The face is slightly modelled, with nose and chin in full relief, but with eyes and hair painted. The upper section of the jar is painted to represent a poncho worn over the shoulders. The poncho is striped vertically in dark brown, rust, and cream on the front and in the back in stripes of dark brown only, possibly to represent the hair of the figure. This jar is interesting as illustrating the manner in which ponchos were worn. Late Nazca per Schoeler--MWS.