Vessel with representation of trophy head

Decapitated human heads are one of the chief motifs found in the Paracas and Nasca iconography, appearing in woven fabrics and ceramics, in naturalist or stylized versions or as elements in more abstract compositions. Belonging to the vanquished in battle, the heads, after being prepared and fastened to a rope through a cut in the occipital section of the skull, were carried by the high priests as war trophies. In this Early Nasca vessel, the face of the head has been expressed with great naturalism, with special emphasis put on the face paint that adorns it. (CP)