The
Moche and the Nazca established a vast communication and trade network,
upon which the Inca capitalized when they rose to power in later centuries.
The Inca flourished for a short but vibrant time, and left a gorgeous
artistic record of their accomplishments. The wood kero in this exhibition
is a ceremonial drinking vessel, illustrating a husband and wife on
a trading venture along one of the many Peruvian roads. The man leads
their loaded llama while the woman follows, and vibrant geometric panels
reminiscent of Andean textiles decorate the remaining space. The Institute
is indebted to Dolly Fiterman for her gift of this fine vessel, which
completes a show full of the best art found in ancient America.
Sacred Symbols brings together masterworks from
some of the most respected American collections, allowing visitors to
see for themselves the richness and variety of art produced by the accomplished
and diverse Native American cultures. Thanks to the generosity and cooperation
of the lending museums, we have been able to assemble an unequalled
exhibition. Sacred Symbols introduces us to the finest of
what went before, and reminds us of the living creativity and talent
of indigenous Native American artists today.
Molly Hennen is Assistant Curator in the Department
of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas at The Minneapolis Institute of
Arts.