Bottle with seated figure Nasca artist(s) 1–300 CE On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 362 Unlike their northern counterparts, who used two-piece ceramic molds for manufacturing vessels, Nazca potters shaped containers by coiling and modeling. Figure vessels like the present example are rare and have an early date in the Nazca ceramic sequence, which lasted for at least 700 years. This engaging polychrome bottle takes the shape of a seated, compact human figure. It has a single spout and strap handle. The large head sits atop the broad shoulders, and the figure's legs are pulled close to the body, with arms and hands held tightly to the chest. Details such as fingers, toes, nails, and facial features are geometricized. The eyes and mouth are slightly raised, while prominent are the nose and a protuberance on the forehead. This mysterious knob may be a reference to fishermen, who are often shown with such a feature. The figure wears a head cover and a striped hipcloth. On his left upper arm is a stylized long-beaked bird, probably a sea bird, and on his right an anthropomorphized fish, perhaps a killer whale or shark. Marine imagery features prominently in all Nazca art, reflecting the economic importance of ocean resources. A source of constant wealth as well as danger, the sea played a major role in myths of all coastal peoples in the Andes.

Fisherman bottle
polychrome pottery
100-300 CE
Nazca culture
Peru

#handmade #craft #art #pottery #bottle #seatedfigure #nazca #nasca #culture #peru #precolumbian #prehispanic #ancientart #ancientpottery #tribal #tribalart #precolumbianart #ancientamericas #fisherman #marine #symbols #fish #bird

Two photos of artist/designer Annette Nancarrow - amongst her pre-Columbian art collection, and wearing a Mexican 'skull' dance mask circa 1940s.

#annettenancarrow #artist #designer #jewelry #jewelrydesign #mexicanmodernism #midcenturymexico #handmade #precolumbianart #wearableart #art #sculpture

Public Program | The Institute of Fine Arts, NYU

📍IFA, New York | 💻 Online option available

🔗Learn more: ifa.nyu.edu/events/date/...

#IFANYU #LatinAmericanArt #ArtHistory #Colloquium #PreColumbianArt #ColonialArt #ModernArt #ArtHistoryMatters

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Discover the beauty and craftsmanship of pre-Columbian Costa Rica in our exhibit at the Latin American Cultural Center.

🎟️Reserve your tickets today: https://loom.ly/y9qDr7k

#LACC #PreColumbianArt #Ceramics #PittsburghEvents

The Nazca culture, which flourished in ancient Peru from about 100–800 C.E., is known for its large-scale desert geoglyphs (the Nazca Lines), sophisticated underground aqueducts called puquios, and advanced polychrome pottery. The Nazca people developed intricate art, including elaborate ceramics with detailed designs of nature, and a religious system centered around nature, with rituals likely involving processions on the lines and the use of hallucinogenic plants. They used their desert environment to their advantage, creating the lines by removing the dark topsoil, and using the arid climate for preserving their dead. This vessel features a dark red bow and handle, contrasting with the container's black body. The polished finish and precision in detail reflect the remarkable technical mastery of the potters of the era. On each side of the body is depicted a stylized orca (one of the most important and powerful creatures of its iconography. This is not exactly referring to the modern orca, but a mythical being combining traits of real cetaceans with supernatural elements) executed in different shades of color and shown holding a trophy head. This marine being occupies a prominent place within the Nasca iconography, where it symbolizes strength, control of the waters, and ritual power. Motif stylization, balanced composition, and intentional use of chromatic contrast demonstrate a sophisticated handling of visual language. Beyond its possible ceremonial function, the piece functions as a symbolic stand expressing notions of prestige, transformation, and power. The iconography plastered in the ceramics of this great culture reveals the deep relationship between South Coast communities and the natural world, especially the marine realm, which played a central role in its worldview.

'Orca' vessel
pottery, glaze
100 BCE to 800 CE
Nazca culture
Peru

#nazcaculture #peru #precolumbian #prehispanic #pottery #vessel #ancientart #art #ceramic #orca #precolumbianart #precolumbianpottery #nazca #nazcapottery #nazcaart #ancientperu

A stone sculpture of a masked shaman
San Agustín, Colombia
5-400 CE
San Agustin culture

#precolumbian #prehispanic #sanagustinculture #stone #sculpture #precolumbianart #ancientart #handmade #colombia #sanagustin

Mask of Tlaloc, inlaid with turquoise. Place of origin: Mexico, Mixtec civilization, c. 1300-1500 AD. Collection: St Louis Art Museum. 𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞: 𝐔𝐧𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧. 𝐍𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 — 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐧-𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐮𝐬𝐞 — 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐮𝐬𝐞.

More than a mask, this is #Tláloc — the #RainGod who nourished fields & shaped #CyclesOfLife in the ancient #Mixtec civilization. The #turquoise inlay isn’t just 🪨, but sky & water fused in one, a sacred reminder that survival itself was divine.

#Art #ArtHistory #IndigenousArt #PreColumbianArt

A gorgeous and rare vintage 1940s handmade sterling silver and Mexican Art Deco pre-Columbian Figures adjustable ring designed by Margot for Los Castillo in Taxco. A lovely mixture of Art Deco gracefulness with monumental pre Columbian architectural references! Also, recalls antique French jewelry with similar 'colossal' figures on either side of a central stone. Entirely handmade, of. course, and one of their rare early designs! A central dome in sterling silver is flanked on either side by architectural pre Columbian figures who appear to be holding the dome up! No doubt inspired by Mesoamerican architecture, likely temple guardian figures, and likely originally quite large, but shrunk down to wear on your finger! Measures just over 5/8" wide at top and rises 3/8" above the finger, size 10 US presently but adjustable band will fit most sizes, and weighs 13.4 grams total. Marked inside the band as shown, "Los Castillo Taxco" on one side, and "Sterling Made in Mexico" with early design number "281". The only example of this ring design that I have seen! There is lots of patina and wear from being worn, but still has much life left in it! Excellent vintage condition.

A gorgeous vintage 1940s Los Castillo Taxco handmade sterling silver Mexican Art Deco pre-Columbian figure ring created by Margot van Voorhies.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#loscastillotaxco #margotdesign #mexicansilver #hechoenmexico #taxco #ring #jewelrydesign #precolumbianart

Sculpture of a seated man with two dogs (one of the dogs is seen in the image). Dated (400-800 AD), from Veracruz, Mexico. It could depict a warrior, as the man wears a full head mask that represents a (prairie) wolf. The sculpture of a seated warrior with two dogs is a remarkable artifact from the Classic Veracruz culture, a civilization that flourished in what is now modern-day Mexico between 400-800 AD. This piece is a powerful example of sophisticated artistry and rich symbolic tradition of the region. The warrior is depicted in a pose of calm strength, his posture suggesting both authority and readiness. The presence of the two dogs flanking him is particularly significant, as dogs held a special place in Mesoamerican cultures, often associated with companionship, hunting, and as guides in the journey to the underworld. This sculpture provides invaluable insight into the social structure and beliefs of the ancient Veracruz people. The warrior's attire, possibly including a headdress or intricate body adornments, would have signified his status and rank within the society. The dogs' portrayal as loyal companions not only highlights their practical role but also their mythological importance. These canines were often believed to be psychopomps, creatures that guided the souls of the dead. Their presence alongside the warrior suggests a connection between the earthly world of combat and the spiritual world of the afterlife, underscoring a belief system that intertwined daily life with cosmic forces. As a work of art, the sculpture is celebrated for its dynamic yet balanced composition and its detailed execution. It showcases the distinctive Veracruz style, which is often characterized by a sense of movement and a powerful, expressive quality. Today, such sculptures are housed in museums around the world, where they continue to educate and fascinate. They serve as a tangible link to a complex and vibrant pre-Columbian civilization, offering a glimpse into the lives…

The Seated Warrior and Two Dogs
ceramic, pigment
400-800 AD
Veracruz culture
Veracruz, Mexico

collection of the Museum aan de Stroom

#precolumbian #prehispanic #veracruzculture #seatedwarriorandtwodogs #sculpture #ceramic #art #ancientart #mesoamerica #warrior #dogs #precolumbianart #mexico

A superb vintage 1980s handmade silver pre Columbian seated Aztec figure/chief sculpture by D'Argenta of Mexico. Stunning incredibly intricate design of a pre-Columbian seated Aztec figure but in shiny silver that brings it into the 20th century! D'Argenta of Mexico is a very high end designer and producer of decorative art and sculpture for the home, and their pieces are always hand-crafted and of the highest quality. They are also very expensive and when new can sell for thousands of dollars! This design has not been in production for decades, but is in great shape showing really very little if any wear! Measures 8" tall by 6-3/8" wide by 3-1/2" deep, and is very heavy likely about 15-20 pounds prior to packing. Original labels etc at back as shown, "D'Argenta Internacional S. A. Hecho en Mexico". Unmarked as to silver content which leads me to believe that it is likely silverplate over brass, and was probably given a lacquer coating as the silver is perfect and spotless as you can see in my photo. Excellent vintage condition.

A superb and quite rare vintage 1980s D'Argenta Mexico handmade silver pre Columbian Seated Zapotec design sculpture.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#handmade #silver #precolumbiandesign #mexico #mexicansilver #sculpture #statue #art #precolumbianart #mesoamericanart #zapotec

A ceramic standing female figure with hands on hips, probably a fertility gesture, from the Chupicuaro culture of ancient Mexico circa 400 to 100 BCE

Vénus figure
ceramic and glaze
Chupicuaro culture
Mexico
400-100 BCE
#precolumbianart #precolumbian
#chupicuaro #precolombien
#artprecolombien

Chupicuaro was a very important site in western Mexico during the pre-Classical period; today it is covered by the waters of the Solis dam, located near Acámbaro or Guanajuato, which gave its name to the culture to which this piece belongs. It is through this type of mask that we can observe the customs of this people, for example, facial painting and the use of ornaments such as earrings. Ceramic work was the main Chupicuaro craft: pottery was used for domestic service as much as for funeral offerings, or for trade and barter with neighbouring peoples; it reveals great initiative and a great sense of form and design. Found in large quantities, the ceramics from this site are among the finest in Mesoamerica.

Mask
terracotta
Chupicuaro culture
circa -300 BCE - 400 CE
Michoacan, Mexico

#mesoamerica #mesoamerican #mexico
#michoacán #mexicanart #ancienthistory #ancientculture
#ancientcivilization #arthistory #precolumbian #precolumbianart #prehispanic #chupicuaro #mask #ceramic #terracotta

The Moche culture is recognized as one of the first complex societies of the desert North Coast of Peru. The Moche created monumental ritual temples, expansive irrigation systems, and a prolific art tradition that found expression in various media, including painted and molded ceramic vessels. Although they did not practice a system of writing, Moche art was rendered in a realistic style, offering insight into Pre-Columbian daily life, narrative myth, and ritual tradition. In Moche art the gods were represented fighting among themselves, or against other supernatural beings or humans. These battles ended with the decapitation of the defeated opponent. The gods are represented holding a half-moon shaped knife known as a tumi. A crucial element of Moche royal regalia was the nose ornament, whose imagery varies from benign to predatory. In this example, two supernatural decapitators brandish knives over a row of severed human heads. The Moche were among the Andes’ most inventive metalsmiths, and they developed many complex techniques for joining and enriching the surfaces of metals, which they usually worked by hammering rather than casting. The gold-and-silver ornaments were made by first joining gold and silver sheets through heating and hammering. Then came the relief decoration, followed by the selective removal of metal along the joins. Finally, the ornament was trimmed and polished.

Nose Ornament
silver and gold
depicting decapitators and heads
Peru, North Coast
Moche culture
50-800 CE

#mocheculture #mochica #peru #northcoast #noseornament #decapitator #silver #gold #handmade #ancientart #art #precolumbianart #andeanart

Circa 1500 CE Incan cast silver female figure with inlaid shell of many colors.

#Inca #peru #femalefigure #silver #seashell #circa1500CE #ancientart #art #artoftheamericas #precolumbianart #prehispanicart #ancientartsofperu #indigenous #metalworking #silverart

This is a very fine sculptural ceramic bottle representing a cinnamon teal (Anas cyanoptera). It is a species that lives in lakes and coastal wetlands, and feeds on plants and aquatic insects and mollusks. It is depicted naturalistically in this bottle, but ducks are also represented in an anthropomorphic with attributes of warriors and as companions of the major deities in the mythological scenes in pre-Columbian art.

Sculptural Ceramic Ceremonial Vessel that Represents a Duck, 1 - 800 AD, Museo Larco(Pueblo Libre, Peru)

#ArtHistory #AncientAmerica #PreColumbianArt #MocheCulture #Ceramics

I find this relatable, but maybe I’m crazy.
#inka #precolumbianart

A view of a city in a Mayan- inspired version of the underworld, where structures are built like stalactites hanging down from a roof above a misty and watery abyss. For me, the development of this painting helped me understand a lot of principles of how worldbuilding should have an authentic and well understood cultural lens through which problem solving occurs.

One of the first pieces where I feel like I started developing my own voice as an environment designer- creating spaces that feel like they have unique problem solving to the needs of their environment. More info in the alt text! #visualdevelopment #precolumbianart