Vessel
On View In:
Gallery 260
Artist:   Nazca  
Title:   Vessel  
Date:   100 B.C.-600 A.D.  
Medium:   Ceramic, pigment  
Dimensions:   5 3/8 x 8 1/4 x 4 in. (13.7 x 21.0 x 10.2 cm)  
Credit Line:   The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fund  
Location:   Gallery 260  

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.


Object Description  
  
Classification:   Ceramic  
Physical Description:   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.  
Creation Place:   South America, Peru, Andean region  
Accession #:   44.3.59  
Owner:   The Minneapolis Institute of Arts