Jar, wide-mouthed, in the form of a double-headed snake. Deep, flaring neck with a band of puma heads below the rim. Painted in polychrome. Rim chipped.

Jar, 11th-14th century

expand_more
On View in Gallery 260expand_more

The double headed snake is a common image throughout ancient traditional beliefs spanning from the Pacific Coast to the Andes of South America. This object successfully unites two sacred animals important to traditional Nasca beliefs. Here, the profile of a jaguar appears around the neck of the container to complement the serpent imagery. To the Nasca people, the snake and the jaguar, both important symbols of shamanic visions and power, were encountered in sacred journeys.

file_downloadprintshare
arrow_back home
Details
Title
Jar
Role
Artist
Accession Number
46.3.7
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

Jar, wide-mouthed, in the form of a double-headed snake. Deep, flaring neck with a band of puma heads below the rim. Painted in polychrome. Rim chipped.