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Paracas vessel

Paracas vessel
ca. 200 BC–AD 1
Ica Region, Peru
Clay, paint
37 x 30 cm
Exchange with Walter Randel
23/5500

Paracas pottery is distinguished by the use of incised lines and resin-based paints in its decoration. This vessel represents two pairs of large, incised figures—one pair human, the other supernatural. The latter are distinguished by ringed eyes, as well as trophy heads that hang from their elbows. All of the figures hold atlatls, or throwing spears.

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