Introduction
The tendency to exercise a row of important of public utility functions including art being a system of communication, a sign of wealth, a display of power, and expression of religious beliefs can be well explored in the art of Peru belonging to different time periods. This fact can be well observed in the pieces of art belonging to such Peruvian cultures as Chavín, Moche, Nasca, Tiahuanaco, Chimu, and Inca. In the following paper, these functions will be examined along with a few particular examples showing how exactly they can be identified in a particular piece of art. Evaluating a row of facts, it appears that the Peruvian people devoted art to the main areas of their life, and such illustrations as “quipu” language from the Inca culture, polychrome ceramics belonging to the Nazca culture, Royal Tombs of Sipán belonging to the Moche culture, and Chavín de Huantar or El Castillo from the Chavín culture prove this interesting phenomenon.
Function of Art as a System of Communication
First of all, speaking about the function of art as a system of communication, it should be mentioned that most Peruvian people did not have a system of written communication and literacy; as a result the art was often used to cover this blind pass. In particular, “quipu” from the Inca culture can be mentioned as an example of this phenomenon. Quipu is a system of varied binding strings in knots which was applied as a means of communicating important messages.
Secondly, addressing the function of art as being a sign of wealth and being wealth in itself, it is necessary to understand that most Peruvian people did not have any currency. Thus, art works were applied as valuable things used by people as a means of hoarding. For example, polychrome ceramics belonging to the Nazca culture can be mentioned to illustrate this phenomenon.
The Royal Tombs of Sipán
Further, discussing the function of art as a display of power, the example of Royal Tombs of Sipán belonging to the Moche culture can be mentioned. Studying this example, it appears that the Peruvian people used art as a way to express their power, authority and position within the society. In particular, this vast piece of art is actually a magnificent burial place for noble representatives of Moche royal class. Thus, art was applied to identify someone’s social position.
Finally, with regards to the function of expressing religious beliefs, it is interesting that the Peruvian people saw art as a way to access supernatural and divine things by means of art works. To illustrate this, the example of Chavín de Huantar or El Castillo from the Chavín culture can be examined. This magnificent building was erected as a temple for worshiping spirits which were considered to be central figures in Chavín religious culture. Examining this building, one may find endless list of addressing varied religious concepts and ideas relevant for this culture.
As a final point, it appears that there exists a strong tendency in the art of Peru belonging to different time periods to exercise a row of important public utility functions including being used as a system of communication, material wealth, displaying one’s power, and expressing religious beliefs. In particular, such example as “quipu” language from the Inca culture, polychrome ceramics belonging to the Nazca culture, Royal Tombs of Sipán belonging to the Moche culture, and Chavín de Huantar or El Castillo from the Chavín culture prove this interesting tendency.