Vase in the shape of a woman holding a child c. 8th century

Editor: So, this is the Tiwanaku earthenware vase, "Vase in the shape of a woman holding a child," created around the 8th century. It's a figurative sculpture that feels incredibly intimate, a peek into an ancient bond. What can you tell me about how this vase functioned within its society? Curator: That’s an interesting start, focusing on intimacy. When we examine Tiwanaku art, we often see depictions of power and cosmological beliefs embedded within everyday objects. Consider that this vase, now residing in a museum, likely had a functional purpose within its original cultural context, perhaps in ritual or domestic life. How might its purpose influence our understanding of the imagery? Editor: I hadn't really considered that aspect of daily life and ritual. I guess I was just reacting to the woman’s central placement and those flanking figures – could those be symbolic representations of ancestors or deities connected to the mother and child? Curator: Precisely. We must consider the socio-political forces at play during the Tiwanaku empire's height. These weren’t merely decorative elements; they conveyed profound information about the society’s structure, beliefs, and power dynamics. Given the importance of ceramic art to this culture, could the vase be interpreted as more than just an object? Perhaps even as propaganda? Editor: Propaganda seems strong, but I see your point. Thinking about the elite using art to solidify their status definitely shifts my perception. Curator: How do museums contribute to these narratives, by selecting what's 'art' and displaying it within specific parameters, distancing them from daily usage? Editor: It definitely changes the reading to have it on a pedestal in a museum. I never thought about it that way! Curator: Thinking about what's left out and who benefits can really make the history more complex and interesting. Editor: Definitely given me a lot to consider moving forward in museums.