Bowl with Incised and Painted Zigzag Motif c. 650

This bowl with incised and painted zigzag motif was made by the Paracas people of ancient Peru. Imagine the world the Paracas potters inhabited—a society where ceramics were not just functional objects, but powerful cultural artifacts. This bowl is a window into their worldview, and it reflects the Paracas's intricate understanding of the cosmos. The zigzag motif may represent water, a life-giving force in the arid coastal environment where the Paracas flourished. The design demonstrates the artist’s profound connection to their environment, as they use materials sourced from the land to create striking geometric patterns. This zigzag pattern, painted in dark brown, black and orange is evocative of water. The Paracas culture, like many ancient societies, intertwined daily life with deep symbolism. Reflecting on this bowl, consider its journey through time—a vessel of stories that continues to speak to us across centuries.