Shipibo-Conibo Pottery: Traditional Amazonian Art from Peru

Shipibo-Conibo, one of the Amazon’s largest Indigenous communities, resides along the Ucayali River in Southern Peru. Recognized for their symbolic and visually intricate patterns applied to their textiles and ceramics, the designs created by the Shipibo-Conibo people highlight their rich culture and history.

The artistic tradition known as “Kené” is an array of complex geometric shapes and patterns that reflect the Shipibo-Conibo’s spiritual beliefs. With origins tracing back to 800 CE, these designs are thought to have been rooted in skin, where they were believed to serve as healing aids and protective shields for afflicted individuals. Inspiration for Kené emerges through ritual and altered states of consciousness. Women, the primary artists of these designs, also participate in visionary processes. By applying the leaves of the iponquene plant to their eyelids, they can follow the patterns that inspire their intricate tracings.

These sacred designs are transcribed onto a variety of material surfaces, with their ornate pottery recognized as the defining form of their artistic heritage. Using a combination of dark and light clays, they are kneaded and formed into coils, which are then left to dry out in the sun. To shape the piece, a large seed is used to scrape away the excess clay, helping to polish and achieve the desired texture.

Once the ceramic is ready to be decorated, the artist uses a handmade brush crafted from their hair to paint their desired design. Applied in a specific sequence: first, the boldest lines (peshtin); second, the finer lines (wirish); and lastly, the thick outer borders (quenea). When the pottery is ready to be fired, it is placed in a jar, insulated with ashes, and fired over an open bonfire. The final step is the application of resin to give the piece its subtle shine.

These ornate pieces provide an intimate glimpse into the traditions and environmental changes the Shipibo-Conibo have faced. While the designs reflect their Indigenous epistemology, they have also become a source of financial support as the Amazon faces continued threats of deforestation and resource depletion. As kené makes its way into commercial interest, it plays a significant role in the discourse around the changes facing Shipibo-Conibo and Peruvian cultures.

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