Kapkap c. 19th century

This Kapkap at the Minneapolis Institute of Art is a striking example of indigenous artistry. Crafted from contrasting materials, it consists of a large, flat, circular disc of polished ivory, overlaid with an intricate openwork design made of dark, possibly tortoiseshell or wood. The design features a central square containing a cross, surrounded by concentric circles of geometric patterns. The power of this work lies in its formal structure and the semiotic potential of simple shapes. The interplay between the solid, opaque ivory and the delicate filigree generates a compelling tension, destabilizing the distinction between form and void. The circular shape might evoke cosmological symbols found in many cultures, while the cross suggests orientation. As a visual object, the Kapkap presents a system of signs. The structure of the artwork invites us to consider how cultural meanings are encoded and decoded, always shifting and open to re-interpretation.