Summary: | An extraordinary group of Nasca miniature objects--exquisite works produced in ancient Central and South America for personal adornment, ritual use, and burial--resides in the renowned Glassell Collection of Pre-Columbian Art. Dating from about A.D. 600, the Nasca miniatures were reported to have been found together in the Ica Valley of the south coast of present-day Peru. Beautifully crafted from gold, silver, shell, and semiprecious stones, most of these objects were carved from or have elements of spondylus shell, a rare mollusk. Frances Marzio brings the Nasca culture vividly to life through her insightful discussion of diverse artworks from the collection--from warriors and trophy heads to females and a menagerie of animals--focusing on these fascinating treasures as a group for the first time.</p>
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