Round base bowl c. 201 - 700

This round-base bowl was made by an artist from Michoacan. The bowl is made of clay and shows us the way artists worked within certain local or regional traditions. This bowl creates meaning through its form, material, and decoration. It invites us to consider the daily life and rituals of the people who used it. Michoacan, located in western Mexico, has a rich history and cultural heritage. Its geography, with its lakes, forests, and mountains, has shaped its artistic traditions. We might ask how this bowl relates to the social structures of its time. Was it for everyday use or for special occasions? Does it reflect the values and beliefs of its community? As historians, we can use archaeological records, ethnographies, and studies of trade networks to understand the bowl better. By examining its cultural and institutional context, we appreciate its role in the lives of its makers and users.