Bowl Depicting Fish, Sharks, or Whales c. 180 - 500

Editor: This is a ceramic bowl, made by the Nazca people around 180-500 CE, currently held at the Art Institute of Chicago. I'm immediately drawn to the stylized depictions of what seem to be fish, maybe sharks or even whales. They almost look like they are swimming around the bowl. What do you see in this piece, from a historical point of view? Curator: Looking at this bowl, I see a vessel used by a society deeply connected to the ocean. The presence of these marine creatures isn't just decorative; it likely reflects the Nazca people's beliefs about the natural world and their relationship to it. Remember, this was a pre-literate society, so imagery served as a powerful communication tool. What function might depicting sharks or whales have served in their society? Editor: Perhaps it was a way to honor these creatures, or maybe it reflected the importance of fishing in their culture? Could the choice of sharks or whales specifically hold symbolic meaning? Curator: Exactly! We have to consider how images gained and transmitted cultural significance. The depiction of powerful animals could have been tied to ideas of social status, religious beliefs, or even served as visual markers of communal identity. It is interesting to observe how indigenous art is collected by institutions such as the AIC. How do you feel the collection influences modern indigenous communities and their artistic visibility? Editor: That’s a really important question. I imagine it has a lot of layers. There could be feelings of pride but also perhaps feelings about historical injustices. Seeing this piece now, and knowing something more about its potential purpose really shifts how I see it. Curator: I agree. By considering the bowl’s socio-cultural context, we can gain a richer understanding of the Nazca people and the politics involved with exhibiting these types of pieces.