Shield Painted with Abstract Figures Possibly 100 - 600

This is a shield painted with abstract figures made by the Tiwanaku culture. This shield provides a glimpse into the worldview of the Tiwanaku people, who flourished in the Andean region of South America. As you observe the shield, think about its function. Shields often signify protection, status, and identity, revealing the cultural values of a society. Notice the abstract figures painted around the shield's surface. These are not casual decorations but likely symbols of deities, ancestors, or cosmological beliefs central to Tiwanaku society. What stories do they tell? Consider also the materials used and their availability in the Andean highlands. The craftsmanship speaks to the advanced skills and knowledge of the Tiwanaku artisans. This shield represents more than just an object of defense, but reflects the cultural and spiritual identity of a people.