Bowl in the Form of a Llama with Geometric Motifs Possibly 600 - 1000

This llama-shaped bowl was made by the Tiwanaku people, using clay, which they then painted with geometric designs. It is made from humble materials, but there’s nothing humble about its making. Potters in this region of the Andes, like those the world over, invested a huge amount of skill and labor into their work, and the llama is a fine example of that dedication. The bowl was probably formed with coils of clay, gradually built up and then smoothed into shape. The painting, executed with great care, is a clear sign of expertise. While we might not know its exact function, the bowl reflects the centrality of the llama in Andean life; as pack animals, they were critical to trade networks and broader prosperity. So, this is not just an artistic creation but an artifact deeply embedded in the social and economic fabric of its time. Looking at the materials, making, and context is essential to appreciate the cultural significance of this bowl. It is far more than just decoration, but rather a record of traditional ways of life.