This exquisite pre-Columbian ceramic bottle, attributed to the Nasca culture of ancient Peru, features a beautifully stylized female figure in a seated position, rendered with both grace and narrative depth. The figure is depicted with legs crossed, a classic Nasca posture that reflects composure and ceremonial intent.
What stands out immediately is the woman’s grasp of a ceremonial dagger in one hand, while the other arm appears intentionally truncated—an artistic representation that may allude to sacrificial rituals or symbolic gestures of offering. Her expressive face is framed by painted hairlines and red cheek marks, adding both character and meaning to her presence.

The surface is adorned with traditional Nasca iconography, using natural mineral pigments in earthy tones of ochre, red, black, and cream. Her garment, marked with geometric and spotted motifs, reflects typical patterns found in Nasca textile and ceramic decoration—patterns often linked to fertility, protection, or cosmic symbolism.

The bottle’s spout is designed in the distinctive Nasca style, with a loop handle and upward-sweeping spout, a form known for both aesthetic appeal and practical use. Such vessels were commonly used in rituals involving liquids—perhaps chicha, sacred water, or medicinal infusions—and might have also played a role in burial offerings or community ceremonies.

This artifact not only captures the visual language of Nasca artistry but also evokes the deeper social and spiritual beliefs of this fascinating culture. An exceptional piece for collectors, historians, or lovers of indigenous South American heritag