Miniature Effigy Vessel 3rd century B.C. Paracas This Paracas miniature effigy vessel has a stylized human head with bulbous lower body. Three horizontal incisions indicate closed eyes and mouth. A thin nose and subtly rounded red triangles on either side represent ears. Post-fire resin paint highlights facial features on a cream background. Black paint highlights the bridge of the nose and indentations for nostrils. Extending below each eye is a deep red triangle. Closed eyes and red triangles below suggest the individual depicted is deceased. The red triangle may represent cinnabar, a mineral bright red in color that is often applied to funerary masks and artifacts found in the graves of high-status individuals in the Andes. Below the head is a row of incised geometric shapes alternating in red, yellow, and green colors suggestive of a decorative collar. In ancient cultures, deceased individuals were often interred wearing fine jewelry and clothing. The production of such a vibrant s