Minneapolis Institute of Art

Jar

Nasca artist

Date

3rd century BCE - 6th century CE

Medium

Polychromed earthenware

Culture

Nasca

Department

Arts of the Americas

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

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. Nasca, Peru, Americas

The authoritative record is held by Minneapolis Institute of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.