Bowl with Bold, Irregular Geometric Bands of Stripes, Zigzag, and Checkerboard Motifs Possibly 850 - 950

This striking bowl, by an unknown artist from the ancient Cibola culture, features bold geometric patterns painted on its interior. The bowl is made from earthenware with painted decoration. Its design is immediately striking: an interplay of horizontal lines, zigzags, and checkerboard motifs that create a visually dynamic surface. The irregular arrangement of these patterns challenges traditional notions of symmetry and order. Instead, we see a playful engagement with space and form, where each motif seems to assert its own unique identity while contributing to the overall composition. The use of geometric abstraction invites us to decode a semiotic system of signs where the visual elements may carry symbolic meanings related to cosmology, social structure, or ritual practices. These geometric patterns suggest a deeper exploration into the nature of representation itself, where the artist uses basic visual forms to suggest complex ideas and beliefs.