Miniature Handled Jug Possibly 1450 - 1532

This miniature handled jug was made by the Inca people, bearing witness to their sophisticated craftsmanship. Notice the crosses, small and evenly spaced, just beneath the rim; these are not merely decorative. In the Incan world, the cross can symbolize the Chakana, a fundamental concept in Andean thought, representing the union of opposing forces and the connection between the earthly and the celestial realms. The presence of this cross finds echoes in other ancient cultures, even pre-Christian Europe, where similar symbols represented the cardinal directions or cosmic order. Across time, the cross has been passed down, evolving from a symbol of balance and harmony to one of profound spiritual significance. It suggests that the human psyche seeks equilibrium and guidance, and that we project these desires onto our cultural symbols. This jug resonates with a collective memory, reminding us of the enduring quest for meaning that transcends epochs.