Bowl Depicting a Costumed Ritual Performer by Unknown Artist - 180 BCE–500 CE - 10.2 × 17.2 cm Art Institute of Chicago Bowl Depicting a Costumed Ritual Performer by Unknown Artist - 180 BCE–500 CE - 10.2 × 17.2 cm Art Institute of Chicago

Bowl Depicting a Costumed Ritual Performer

Ceramic and pigment • 10.2 × 17.2 cm
  • Unknown Artist Unknown Artist 180 BCE–500 CE

We love to surprise you with unique masterpieces such as today's Nazca bowl!

This ceramic bowl vividly connects agriculture with warfare. In the upper left, plants emerge from the mouths of decapitated heads, symbolizing the fertility born from sacrifice. At the center, a masked figure, adorned with whiskers and grasping a captive, harnesses the power of a wildcat to guard the agricultural wealth from the hungry mice. Can you spot them?  :D

P.S. One of our aims at DailyArt is to popularize "classic" or "academic" art history and also to show you diverse types of beauty. If you like this attitude, check out our 2025 DailyArt Wall and Desk Calendars, full of surprising art!  :)

P.P.S. Pre-Columbian art in the Andean region is fascinating! Have you heard about the erotic pottery from Museo Larco? It will blow your mind! For more Pre-Columbian art, see the articles below.