Globular bowl c. 201 - 700

This globular bowl was created by an artist in Michoacan, Mexico, at an unknown date. Its abstract design is rooted in the area’s rich artistic traditions of the pre-Columbian era. The bowl's spherical shape and decoration of crisscrossing lines speak to its function as a utilitarian object, and the subtle elegance hints at the cultural values of the time. Michoacan’s artistic legacy reflects the social organization of the time, the complex interplay between local traditions, and the broader Mesoamerican cultural sphere. Understanding the bowl's meaning requires us to delve into the social and institutional contexts that shaped its creation. By studying archaeological records, historical accounts, and ethnographical studies, we can start to appreciate its place in the region’s history. The bowl reminds us that art objects are not just aesthetic forms, but also artifacts of social life.