Non-Western Art Critique

Kaitlyn Graf

Modern Culture and the Arts

Professor Bomboy

28 February 2016

Non-Western Art Critique

            For almost every culture, art is a way to tell stories, document history, and express emotion. Some pieces of art were meant for display, while others had practical uses, such as pottery and jewelry. Non-western art is art that comes from Africa, Asia, and Native America (North and South.) One example of art from South America that held a practical use was the Peruvian wooden beaker or kero. These elaborately painted beakers, which today can be looked at as pieces of art, were originally used for ceremonial purposes. In this paper, I will start by discussing the use of elements and design principles in this object. Then I will talk about the provenance of this piece of art. Also, I will discuss the function and how it fits into the Peruvian culture. Finally, I will describe my reaction and feelings towards this piece of art.

            The Peruvian kero was a ceremonial beaker that was used in Peru and northeastern Bolivia by the Incas to drink “chica,” which is a fermented beverage that was made from corn (“Pair of Keros”). The kero has a wide opening and a cylindrical shape. Ancient keros were decorated with geometrical shapes and painted with bright reds and yellows. Keros from the Inca-Colonial period were decorated with figurative images, such as the one being discussed in this paper (“Redlist America Latina”). This specific kero from the mid-seventeenth century is adorned with the image of an Inca, a Spaniard, and an African (Encylopaedia Britannica). When looking at the elements of art that are used, black lines were used to outline each of the images on the wooden beaker. This helped to emphasize each of the shapes and figures, and it also helped to draw in the viewer’s attention. Thicker lines of black, red, and tan were used to separate the images on the top of the kero from the bottom. This seems to be a deliberate action by the decorator or painter of the kero to show two different stories or separations in the story. In terms of shape, it is simple to distinguish between the different images on the beaker and what the images are meant to be. The viewer can easily see the three figures and the clothes, headpieces, etc. that they are wearing.

The colors that were used to paint the kero were vibrant and bright, mostly red and yellow, and the sketching was done with black. Polychrome or painting in a variety or several colors was not popular until later periods (“Redlist America Latina”). It can be noted for this specific kero that only about three colors are used: red, black, and tan/yellow. When discussing texture, it cannot be determined from a photograph of the beaker if there is physical texture to the paint, although one can assume it is present. The design on the beaker is very flat and does not show any three-dimensional forms. Each of these elements help to give the viewer a better appreciation for what the creator of the kero was trying to convey.

The principles of design utilize the elements of art to further add to the piece of artwork. When looking at balance, the wooden beaker certainly uses informal balance. The images do not seem off balance, but they are asymmetrical in design. A contrast in color can be noted between the skin tones of the three figures. This helps the viewer to understand that they are not of the same ethnicity. There is also a contrast between their clothing, further showing the difference between the three men. Some repetition can be seen on the clothing, which shows a repeating design. Although all sides of the beaker cannot be seen in this photograph, other examples of Peruvian keros show repeating geometric shapes and patterns (“Pair of Keros”). When viewing this kero, there is not one specific image that is being emphasized. The emphasis seems to be on the figures as a whole. The solid lines that are placed at the top, middle, and bottom of the kero help to display the rhythm or smooth transition between the different sections. This also helps to unify the images that are presented on the kero. There is no sense of disorder between the images on the kero.

The function of the Peruvian kero or wooden beaker was for ceremonial purposes. These ceremonies consisted of religious rituals and burials or celebrations for harvest and planting (Dixon). They were used by the Peruvian people to drink “chica,” which was a fermented drink made from corn (“Pair of Keros”). When a kero was needed for a ceremony, they always came in pairs, with one being offered to the gods. Use of the kero was very important to the Inca culture. The size of the cup that was used showed the status of the individual: one of superior status held a slightly larger cup. The material that was used to make the kero was a sign of class standing as well. Although the particular kero being discussed in this paper is made of wood, keros could be found made of metal and pottery as well. If gold or silver was used, this showed nobility or royalty, while wood or ceramic was used for lesser status (Dixon). Although now the Peruvian kero is viewed more from an artistic point of view, the cultural significance is important to understand and respect.

When I initially viewed this particular Peruvian kero, I was in awe of the bright colors that caught my immediate attention. The red stood out in contrast from the black outlines and other lighter colors. Since the kero was not simple geometric shapes and lines, I could tell that the artist was trying to convey a story to the viewer through the figures that he used. Through further research into the Inca culture, I was able to have an even better appreciation for the piece of art. The fact that the Incas put so much detail and thought into these ceremonial cups shows how important they were to their culture. Each kero is different and presents a different message. The beautiful detail and colors stood out to me and made me want to know more. I truly love the fact that something that is used for the practical purpose of drinking could also be viewed as beautiful artwork.

By looking at the Peruvian kero or ceremonial cup, it is easy to get the sense that it is more than just a cup. These cups held great cultural significance to the Inca people. The bright colors and detailed figures help to present a message or story to the viewer. The elements and principles of design that were utilized to create this kero clearly show the affect that they have on those who view it. I gained a better appreciation and understanding for the Inca culture through viewing and researching the Peruvian kero. I believe the kero is an excellent expression of the Inca culture.

Peruvian wood beaker (kero)

Mid-17th century

Works Cited

Dixon, Christine. "Gold and the Incas." Gold and the Incas. National Gallery of Australia. Web. 27 Feb. 2016.

"Pair of Keros." The Met's Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Web. 27 Feb. 2016.

Peruvian wood beaker (kero). 1650. The Granger Collection, New York. Encylopaedia Britannica. Web. 26 February 2016.

"Redlist America Latina." Redlist America Latina. Web. 27 Feb. 2016.