Two Zodiac jugs. Kawali, Ciamis district, West Java privonce, 14th-16th century Possibly 1863 - 1864

These two Zodiac jugs, photographed by Isidore Kinsbergen, were crafted in West Java between the 14th and 16th centuries, bearing symbols deeply rooted in cosmology and culture. Figures of humans and animals encircle these vessels, likely representing the zodiac, a motif found across diverse cultures from Mesopotamia to India. Consider the recurring image of the bull, often associated with Taurus. Its appearance here echoes its significance in ancient Minoan culture, where the bull symbolized power and fertility, or even further back to cave paintings depicting animals, suggesting humanity's long-held fascination with the natural world. These symbols serve as a conduit to our collective unconscious, stirring deep-seated emotions and ancestral memories. It’s a testament to humanity's enduring quest to understand our place in the cosmos. From ancient rituals to modern interpretations, the zodiac remains a potent symbol, ever evolving, yet eternally tethered to its origins.