Incised and Pyroengraved Bowl with Monkeys

Art Historical Context

This delicate ceramic bowl, crafted by an unknown Paracas artist around the 5th–4th century BCE, hails from the ancient Paracas culture of Peru's southern coast. Dating to the early phases of this pre-Incan society (ca. 800–100 BCE), the vessel reflects the Paracas people's mastery of pottery during a time when they were renowned for elaborate burials and finely decorated grave goods. Part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection 1963, thanks to a gift from Nathan Cummings, it measures just 1¾ inches high and 5⅜ inches in diameter—perfectly sized for daily use or ritual offerings. The b...