The Pre-Columbian cultures of Ecuador are
among the oldest in South America and among
the first to master the art of pottery. Although
we know little about the peoples themselves or
their traditions, historians have been able to
piece together a picture of life in Ancient
Ecuador thanks in part to the art and artifacts left
behind. The culture of Valdivia created some of
the oldest known works of art in the Americas.
Situated along the coastal strip of Ecuador, the
Valdivians established a thriving society that
flourished for around two thousand years (from
approximately 3500 to 1500 B.C.). Today they
are famed for their small fertility figures,
believed to be the earliest representational works
of art in the Americas, first carved from stone,
later formed from terracotta.
Hundreds of years later after the Valdivians
disappear from the archaeological record
appears another culture to which the name
Chorrera has been attached (lasting from circa
1100-300 B.C.). Little is known about this
culture; however, it is significant for its
widespread geographical reach. As such, their
artistic style greatly influenced those diverse
cultures that began to emerge in the final
centuries of the Chorrera period, a time
historians have labeled the Period of Regional
Development.
Among the most prominent cultures that
flourished in the wake of the Chorrera are the
cultures of Bahia, Jama Coaque, and La Tolita.
Around 200 B.C., the Bahia developed along the
coastal strip in the modern province of Manabi,
lasting until approximately 600 A.D. Their
earliest terracotta works were greatly indebted to
the Chorrera; however, over the years a
distinctive style emerged characterized by large
figures adorned with detailed dress and body
ornamentation.
Bahia is closely related to the culture known as
Jama Coaque, sharing a similar style and
common chronology. They inhabited the
forested hills lining the coast of northern
Manabi. The city of San Isidro was their cultural
and ceremonial center, featuring several temples
surmounting a large pyramid. Similar to the
Bahia, Jama Coaque is known for its large
terracotta figures, typically sculptured in a
variety actions and poses. Ceremonial figures
are also well-know, typically formed with the
arms held along their sides, palms facing
outwards.
The elaborate costume and jewelry this woman
wears confirm her high rank in society. Her
gesture--arms held straight out from the sides,
palms open--is almost certainly an attitude of
prayer, an appeal to the gods. Is she a priestess
wearing her robes of office? An initate in some
mystery cult? A noblewoman come to ask
blessings from the heavens? Centuries ago some
mortal woman left this lovely statue as a votive to
win the favor of the gods. We cannot know for
certian what she wished for, or if those wishes
were granted. Yet, in the presence of this statue,
we recognize that the essentials of human life
have changed but little across time.
