Goblet in the form of a head c. 14th century

This terracotta goblet, shaped as a head, was crafted by the Inca people. The face, adorned with geometric lines, perhaps signifies social status or spiritual role. The nose ornament could symbolize power or a connection to the divine. Consider how such head-shaped vessels echo in other cultures; think of the Roman tradition of portrait busts, where lineage and authority were immortalized in stone. But here, in this Inca goblet, the vessel merges the functional with the symbolic. The human face has always been a potent image, carrying a wealth of cultural and emotional information. Its appearance on a utilitarian object infuses the act of drinking with ritual significance. As the form of the head transcends time and space, the collective memory and subconscious processes can influence the production and interpretation of the motif. The cyclical progression of this symbol resurfaces, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.