Vessel Fragment in the Form of a Feline Head Possibly 600 - 1000

This ceramic vessel fragment, shaped into a feline head, was crafted by the Tiwanaku people. The feline here is not a mere animal; it is a powerful symbol deeply ingrained in the religious and social fabric of the Tiwanaku culture. Look at its open mouth, revealing sharp teeth; this motif echoes through millennia, from the lion-headed goddess Sekhmet in ancient Egypt to the jaguar deities of Mesoamerica. These are not just representations of animals but embodiments of strength, power, and primal energy. This image has resurfaced in different historical contexts, each time evolving and adapting. This feline presence engages viewers on a subconscious level; tapping into our collective memory of nature's untamed force. The enduring presence of the feline symbol reminds us of the cyclical nature of symbols.