Pot in form of Fish with a double spout handle rising from the back. Slight modelling on head, tail, and fin area. Other features painted in grey, black, yellow, red and white. Broken at tail; cracked around head.

Vessel in the Form of a Fish, c. 100 BCE - 600 CE

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Clay, pigmentsexpand_more

The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fundexpand_more  44.3.59

On View in Gallery 260expand_more

Nazca artists are known for their bold, colorful designs. Although they were acute observers of the world around them and depicted many plants and animals in their work, they seemed concerned less with naturalism than with capturing the spirit and liveliness of their subject matter. This fish is highly stylized, with scales suggested by brush strokes, and gills through sweeping lines. It is rounded and fat, attesting to flush times and an abundance of food. Fish were a key component of the Nazca diet and were often shown in their art.

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Details
Title
Vessel in the Form of a Fish
Role
Artist
Accession Number
44.3.59
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.

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Pot in form of Fish with a double spout handle rising from the back. Slight modelling on head, tail, and fin area. Other features painted in grey, black, yellow, red and white. Broken at tail; cracked around head.