What is a Nazca Double-Spout and Bridge Vessel?

GlossaryTeacher ResourcesSouth AmericaAncient AndesNazca
Written By AQ

People of the ancient Andes made some of the most incredible ceramics in world art history.

Double-Spout-and Bridge Vessel with Composite Being, Nasca (Nazca), Early Intermediate Period, c. 350–450 CE, ceramic. Dumbarton Oaks, photo: © Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank

In this video, learn about Nazca ceramics, specifically double-spout and bridge vessels. These ceramics showcase a dazzling array of forms and colors. Nazca culture left no written records, so these vessels help us understand their society and history. We explore how and why this is a distinctive vessel form from ancient Peru.

Note: An alternative spelling for Nazca is Nasca.

This video is perfect for anyone interested in:

  • The Ancient Andes

  • Andean Archaeology

  • Ceramics, including Paracas and Nazca Ceramics

  • Ancient Art

  • Indigenous Artistic Traditions

Go deeper:

  1. Check out our Learning to Look materials.

  2. See more of our videos in our ABCs of Art History series.

  3. Learn more about the Ancient Andes.

  4. Explore resources about South America.

AQ
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