Macawas (drinking cup),

1970s

Macawas are used to serve a fermented beverage known as asua, which is consumed on ceremonial occasions. In decorating the vessels, the Canelos-Quichua women artists are inspired by visions—the feminine counterpart of masculine shamanic knowledge. They frequently depict symbolically important animals. Anthropomorphic deities appear with less frequency on macawas but are shown in male-female pairings, such as the modeled faces on the inner walls of one vessel displayed here. Linear designs hold symbolic meanings as well, with bold red lines (mama churana) considered a female motif and black lines (aisana) considered male. Zigzag lines represent rivers or the path of the powerful anaconda. The colors, too, hold symbolic value: red is linked to the aquatic Sungui and red-black pairings to the terrestrial Nungui. Vessels can also involve more anecdotal imagery drawn from the Westernized culture of Puyo, where many Canelos-Quichua now reside. One of the vessels here, for example, includes a representation of a soccer player.