Incised and Painted Container for Lime with Carved Stopper Possibly 1000 - 1470

This incised and painted container for lime with carved stopper was crafted by the Ica people. Notice the geometric patterns etched into the gourd, particularly the diamond shapes, a motif echoing across cultures and epochs. These diamonds, reminiscent of textile designs, symbolize interconnectedness, much like the threads woven to create a larger pattern. Think of the lozenge patterns found in ancient Cycladic figurines, or the geometric designs adorning Neolithic pottery; such designs reflect the human desire to impose order on the chaos of the world. This echoes psychological processes where we find patterns to make sense of the overwhelming nature of reality. The container's stopper, wrapped in fabric, adds another layer of mystery, concealing and protecting the lime within. As we gaze upon this artifact, let us consider the cyclical nature of symbols, their power to transcend time, and their enduring presence in our collective consciousness.