1984.W.148 Jar with human figure holding sling (Peru, Nasca)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Slings were common weapons for ancient Andean populations since the Formative Period (c. 300 BCE). This Nazca (Nasca) vessel shows a sling held in the figure’s hands, while other Nazca and Huari (Wari) vessels illustrate slings wrapped around the head. Lightweight and portable, slings provided effective tools for combat in a rock-filled Andean landscape. The wide central band would support the stones used as weapons. While the longer strap or end with a loop was secured around the fingers, the short strap was released to launch the stone.

Adapted from

Kimberly L. Jones, PhD, Inca: Conquests of the Andes / Los Incas y las conquistas de los Andes, Label text [1983.W.2168; 1983.W.2167; 1989.W.2349; 1984.W.148], 2015.

NOTES

Nasca, Early Intermediate Period, 100 B.C.E.–200 C.E., updated by KJones in TMS on 11/29/13 and 02/26/16.
Updated geography in TMS to reflect Inca label -- Perú: south coast.
Fun Facts Source: Junius B. Bird Report, 1/26/1976, p. 35, TMS, Notes / Text Entries, Attribution.

Catalogue essays

Artist/designers

Cultures

Nasca (Nazca)

Nazca (Nasca): AAT: 300017290

Geography

Andes (South America)

Peru (nation): TGN: 1000056

Nazca: TGN: 7033105

Process/materials

Nasca (Nazca) Ceramics

ceramic (material): AAT: 300235507

clay: AAT: 300010439

slip (clay): AAT: 300010459

slip glaze: AAT: 300015110

mineral pigment: AAT: 300375550

paint (coating): AAT: 300015029

Historical periods

Early Intermediate period (Pre-Columbian Andean styles and periods): AAT: 300017280

Individuals

Subject terms

vessels (containers): AAT: 300193015

effigy: AAT: 300047108

slings (projectile weapons): AAT: 300037216

sitting: AAT: 300263970

figures: AAT: 300189808

human figures: AAT: 300404114

male: AAT: 300189559

warriors: AAT: 300261945

combat: AAT: 300379752

rock (inorganic material): AAT: 300011692

stone: AAT: 300011176

headdress: AAT: 300046023

Wari (Huari): AAT: 300017283

RELATED OBJECTS

PROVENANCE

Until 1984: Nora and John Wise, New York [1], [2]

From 1984: Dallas Museum of Art, the Nora and John Wise Collection, gift of Nora Wise [1], [2], [3]

[1] The main source for this provenance is Acquisition Record (dated December 27, 1984), copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File, Confidential). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[2] The main source for this provenance is letter from John Lunsford, Senior Curator of the Dallas Museum of Art, to Nora Wise (dated December 29, 1984), copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File, Confidential). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[3] The main source for this provenance is Deed of Gift (dated December 28, 1984), copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File, Confidential). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

AUDIO ASSETS

VIDEO ASSETS

IMAGE ASSETS

WEB RESOURCES

ARCHIVAL RESOURCES

FUN FACTS

In his 1976 report, Junius B. Bird, curator emeritus of South American archaeology at the American Museum of Natural History, notes: "Nazca III-IV. 1 large modeled jar, JWA 6, a seated man holding a sling. Has been restored with some parts filled in, the surface in part retouched."

TEACHING IDEAS

RULES

Apply to objects where number equals 1984.W.148