Miniature Tray Depicting a Frog Possibly 1450 - 1532

This miniature tray, crafted by the Inca, features a striking depiction of a frog, a potent symbol in Andean cultures. The frog, often associated with water, fertility, and transformation, speaks to the vital connection between the natural world and human existence. Observe how the frog motif resonates through time. In ancient Egypt, we see the goddess Heqet, also represented as a frog, embodying fertility and childbirth. This archetype transcends geographical boundaries, suggesting a universal human preoccupation with life's origins. The Inca artist’s conscious selection of the frog serves as a powerful reminder of the continuous presence of ancestral memory. Consider how the image of the frog triggers emotional responses, perhaps linking to subconscious associations with the life-giving properties of water. This tray serves not just as a functional object, but as a vessel for the enduring symbols that bridge cultures and epochs. Through the image of the frog, the Inca artist invites us to delve into the cyclical nature of existence.