Research Paper on the Pair of Figures

Introduction

The pair of figures is some works of art that were created in the 13th to 14th century. Their country of origin is Peru from the Chancay culture. They are made of ceramic and have a height of 18 cm (7 inches). They are classified as ceramic sculptures and they were brought into the museum in 1986. The pair of figures was common around the 13th century and evidence of similar sculptures is found from some of the West African cultures.

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Historical Description

With the decline of Wari influence, there was rapid evolution of the existing ceramic styles on the Pacific coast that gave more emphasis on the need to have mass production of art. Fabrication was done using molds and stamps to represent the people's belief and culture. In the valley north of Lima, the Chancay people made ceramics that are different in their form and decoration. The primary paint colours were dark brown on a white background. The ceramics are sloppy as compared to other earlier styles. The spontaneous decoration, restrained colour scheme and the bold nature of their paintings created a charm mentality.

Besides the vessels, the porters also made scriptures of humans or animals common in their environment. The human figures that were often made in male and female pairs most probably wore clothes. As per the Hoover and Paul (7), there is a possibility that the figures were basically the same molds but gender and facial features added later by hand to depict the anatomical and decorative details. Both figures are seen to wear same ear ornaments even though those on the females are bigger. The hat worn by the male figures shows the Wari popularity since hats were most probably worn by the Wari community. The use of the sculptures in the community is not known, however, it is thought that they were used as a companion to the dead in the afterlife.

Thematic Literature

The paintings depict the nature and culture of the painters, for the male, they have created a crown with horn-like structures and it is red in colour. The paintings can be translated to show authority and power among the owners. On the other hand, the female figure has a crown and protruding ears, the painters may have had them as a display of beauty and admiration among the females. Furthermore, the fact that there were males and females shows the desire and belief in fertility. Since the art was mostly used as an accompaniment to bury the dead, there is a possibility that it depicted authority and fertility in the afterlife.

Spirituality is a common topic that was behind the creation of the two carvings. From a religious point, the people during the ages are seen to be numinous (Hoover and Paul 8). The feeling and desire to create the carvings lies behind the desire to Tran cede the obvious and thus create an age of resonance. The numinous experiences described through the art possibly show the desire to get to a better place in the afterlife. Probably the reason why there is a huge number of such art in the region.

Solving Everyday Life Issues through Supernatural Powers

Considering the period that they were created, there was little scientific discovery and people were afflicted by various issues. The belief in a supernatural super ceded their ability and willingness to create a rationale that would help solve everyday issues that they faced. Commissioning such figures from the artist was an ideal way through which they would invite the spirits of nature. Essentially, humans consider themselves volatile as compared to the untamed elements in nature (Hoover and Paul 10). The spirits are invited from the wilderness by the figures through their beauty and finally convinced to inhabit the sculptures. Over time, the spirits tend to provide insight into how to solve everyday dilemmas through their insight of the underworld.

The figures were commonly displayed during rituals since the clients would seek clarification from the spirits about the difficulties that they would face. They believed that any challenges ranging from draught, illnesses and natural calamities would be reduced. By doing some traditional rituals, it was believed that it would be possible to create a trance state that gave the diviner the power to communicate with the spirits, through this, solve any mystery that could be facing them (Hoover and Paul 18). Furthermore, it was possible to discover the source of the problems and solve them from the root source. Owning the extraordinary abilities also helped to increase the professional standings. There was a need to impress the client with the instrument sophistication and art of the practice. This may be the reason why there was a high number of the pair of figures as each person and powerful individuals seeking to gain their blessings, both in life and afterlife.

Even though they are created independently, both elements, i.e., male and female figures are well harmonized through their matching forms. The gestures, stances and expressions are all symmetrical and their decorations are a symbol of the deep cultural refinement and status. The closed hands show self-control, an essential virtue that was required during the said ages. They pose an erect pose with open eyes, possibly to reflect on the ability of the spirits to discern all from the environment. The rounded muscles and strong legs possible reflect the ability of the supernatural to supersede human strengths. The eyebrows and the open gestures show their ability to communicate with the spirits.

The pair of figures depicts the reproductive organs in a clear manner. Reproduction holds an essential part especially for the Africans and the South American tribes. There is probably a believe that by invoking the supernatural, they would be reproductive and conquer the area that they occupied (Gaunt, Andrea, and George 124). Human life was usually at stake during the ages and having more children was essential in helping keep the human population high.

From the images, it is evident that they have parallel attire; the man has a crown with horns while the female figure has a crown. The necklace and the earrings show the value attached to decorations. Furthermore, people who wore the decorations were well to do in the society and had the ability to live the lifestyle. Since the pair of figures was used as an escort for the dead in the afterlife, then it may show the desire to have the best. The horns on the crown may be an indication of the male dominance. Figuratively, animals with horns are seen to dominate in fights. The horns may be an illustration of the figures ability to bring victory to the owner or through the spirits incited.

The use of colour, red is dominant in the pair of figures, the decorations, the crowns worn and even on the body. The red colour on the female genitals may figuratively show menstruation while the white colour on the male species may be representing semen (Hoover and Paul 10). The fertility and desire to invoke the spirits of the fertility may be done through the use of colours. The body paintings which are red represent the desire to invoke the spirits of danger and desire. This is due to the connection that the colour has with blood.

Political System

The pair of figures was found in the area north of Lima; the political system entailed a centralized system of governance with a king or chief at the top of the political hierarchy. With the kingdom being passed along the matrilineal lines, then the system of governance was continuous (DeMarrais, Elizabeth, and John 13).There were people assigned the duty to act as assistants and political advisors, they were to help the leaders in the central administrative system. The different chiefs and advisors also made their mantles to represent their connection to the supernatural. Religion played a significant role in governance; ancestral worship and the hierarchy given to the gods were also represented in the sculpture (Hoover and Paul 18).

Conclusion

The sculpture goes beyond to represent the ordinary. The colours used the shapes, the body outlook and even having the figures come in pairs show the value attached to life back then. Simple body features like the protruding ears and body with extra muscles show the value given to physical features and their importance in everyday life. We can understand this since they lived at an age where strength was paramount for survival. Furthermore, the connection to the supernatural depicts their inability to handle various forces that they faced and the need to invoke a higher being.

Works Cited

DeMarrais, Elizabeth, and John Robb. "Art makes society: an introductory visual essay." World Art 3.1 (2013): 3-22.

Gaunt, Andrea, and George F. Flaherty. "Latin American Art History: An Historiographic Turn." Art in Translation 9.sup1 (2017): 121-142.

Hoover, Paul. "Pair of Figures for Eshu: Doubling of Consciousness in the Work of Kerry James Marshall and Nathaniel Mackey." Callaloo 23.2 (2000): 728-748.