INSIDE NMAI BY CLAUDIA L IMA
........................ MARAJOARA MASTERS
Marajo Jar, AD 400–1300. Island of Marajo, Brazil. Clay, Slip; 61/3" x 71/2". National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution (24/1938). M
arajoara ceramics rep- resent one of the oldest, most detail-oriented forms of art found in Brazil. The Marajoara nation created incred- ibly sophisticated bowls,
jars, plates, cups, burial urns, jewelry, figurines and other items. Perhaps most well-known for its symmetry with deep lines, the Marajoara culture also used sharply contrasting colors, such as white, red and black. The Marajo jar shown here is a ceremonial piece. Amazonian peoples have a highly devel-
oped knowledge of ceramics. Studies show that the Marajoara culture used seashell powder and tree bark powder mixed with clay to increase the durability of the artifacts.
The ceramics produced between AD 600 and 1200 are the most studied. The carved and embossed lines have been shown to represent social classes in the Marajoara culture. Some of the objects had human and animal forms. Complex techniques were used for the
vessels made for rituals. The standardization suggests fabrication by ceramics specialists. The Marajoara culture occupied the
Marajo Island in the mouth of the Amazon River between AD 400 and 1300. The indig- enous peoples around the river had great communication skills and kept up continuous exchange of materials. Still today, their culture is strongly represented in northern Brazil. The traditional view of Amazonia as a
refuge for primitive hunters and gatherers has come under serious challenge thanks to
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 51
archaeological work over the last two decades. The Pre-Columbian Society of Washington, D.C., will present a major overview of this new understanding in its September seminar “Amazonia and the Making of the Andean World” to be held September 26 at the U.S. Navy Memorial & Naval Heritage Center, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. This jar is a part of the exhibition Infinity
of Nations, and can be currently seen at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York City. X
Claudia Lima is a former intern of the Museum’s Office of Public Affairs.
PHOTO BY WALTER LARRIMORE
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