Talata hekexi wiwa! Happy New Year! We start our 2023 Cuentos with a piece about indigenous ceramics as a cultural topic.
In ancient Peru, the Incas of certain regions molded a small clay container with their hands, made up of two or three communicating vessels. It showed a short outlet tube or spout at the base or in front, through which liquid slowly springs. This was a strictly ritual container used for agricultural ceremonies, and its name was Paccha.
I have received this information on the tradition of transferring culture and technology that has historically occurred among indigenous cultures and created a Paccha that combined our Taino and Inca cultures.
I constructed the irrigation channel of the vessel using Inca technology and the double, globular containers of our ancestors as the vessel's shape. To finalize, I sculpted Iguanaboina, which is prominent in the ornamentation of the cemi Yucahu, which fertilizes the soil of the conuco. As a result, this Paccha feature a snakes body (the Boina) and the Iguana head where the water emerges. Above, I've included a video of this piece and how it works to water a plant.
I am using this Paccha as a metaphor to bless all the seeds you have planted for 2023 that are ready to sprout since they have already matured. May you go through this year with a strong emotion of joy, love, and compassion for yourself as you continue to grow and thrive throughout 2023!
Much Love,
Akutu Irka
