Vessel in the Form of a Human Head

Colorfully woven slings were long used as hunting tools and as weapons in warfare. To use this textile device, a hunter would cradle a round stone in the decorative middle portion of the band. Then the sling would be swung in an arc to gain speed, and one end would be released to propel the stone. People commonly wrapped these lightweight and portable tools around their head for easy access, as seen on this ceramic vessel. A scene of ritualized battle adorns the top of the vessel, indicating that the individual pictured below is a warrior.