Inca Art

Inca Art

Most of the Inca art was melted down by the Spanish to satisfy their lust for gold and silver. Much about the Inca and their culture is surrounded in mystery and their art is no different. Still other examples of their art were destroyed simply because the idea of a polytheistic society was appalling to the Christian sensibilities of the Spaniards.

Some art, however, was able to survive the Spanish conquistadors and that art gives us a valuable glimpse at Inca values and their way of life.

Overall, art was quite Spartan. The Inca preferred simple functionality over ornate decoration in all cases except for their textiles (which we’ll discuss in a bit). Rather than create aesthetic paintings, the Inca preferred to sculpt religious figurines and create architectural wonders that inspire speculation and awe to this day.

Like most other Inca artwork, the architecture was very basic with the possible exception of the trapezoidal shape of doorways and windows. However what the architecture lacked in aesthetics it made up for in functionality. The Inca system of building without mortar made their structures resistant to seismic activity; an important feature in a region prone to earthquakes.

Inca Art Inca Art

Tapestries

Inca TapestriesIn the world of Inca art where plain and simple are the norm, the tapestries stood out as crown jewels. These tapestries where generally made from alpaca and were intricately woven by hand.

Unlike the unadorned Inca architecture and sculpture, the tapestries were ornately created with geometric shapes and vibrant colors.

These tapestries were also quite lavish with many of them requiring two people to weave using a combination of loom and needle work. These works could take an impressively long time to make and reach knee length.

Of course, the tapestries weren’t purely ornamental. During the reign of the Inca Empire tapestries were used as consideration to bind political contracts and as a result, tapestries displayed political power.

It’s unfortunate that more work of the Incas didn’t survive the Spanish conquest of Peru, but the art that did survive paints a picture of a practical people who valued functionality over aesthetics. However the Incas artistic flair does show up in their tapestries which became an important status symbol for political leaders of the time.

Inca ArtInca Art

These tapestries were so spectacular that they’re considered an important part of Peruvian history to this day. Inca art is a perfect example of how functionality can be beautiful in itself.

Moche Culture

Mochica or Moche culture emerged and developed in the centuries I and VII, taking place in the long and narrow strip of desert on the north coast of Peru where the remains of their pyramid temples, palaces, fortresses and irrigation systems are proof of their high artistic development and technological and complex organization.

The Moche innovated technology and metallurgical production with intensive use of copper in the manufacture of ornaments, weapons and tools.

Moche Culture and Art

Chavin Culture

The art of the Chavín culture (900-200 B.C) influenced all its neighbours and was felt long after its decline. The Chavín was not a warlike culture and spread its influence through peaceful interaction.

The Chavin influenced an area covering most of the northern Peru’s highlands and coast. It is believed they worshipped the jaguars, since this animal appears in many of their pottery.
This period represents the greatest early development in weaving, pottery and agriculture.

Chavin Culture and Art

Chimu Culture

The Chimu Culture built a capital at Chan Chan, north of Trujillo. Chan Chan is the largest pre-Columbian city in Peru, covering about 20 sq km, and is estimated to have housed about 50,000 people.

Pottery from the Chimu Culture was mass-produced and manufactured from readily available clay found along the coast of Peru. Head cups, head vases, etc. are typical of the Chimu Culture. The winged eyes used in their artwork are said to be the eyes of dead souls, and it looks like they were meant to be funerary items. Designs on the cup rim, back, and sides resemble Mesoamerican writing.

Chimu Culture and Art

Peruvian Bracelets
The unique materials and beautiful designs used to create Peruvian bracelets make it ideal for both personal adornment and loving gifts for friends and family.

Peruvian Hats
The beautiful Peruvian hats offer shelter and comfort. They are made in Peru using Andean naturals colors. The smoothness of the inca hats impress you and the thermal protection is perfect for low temperatures.

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