Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino

Cultures > South > Pitrén

Arte

Pitrén pottery is the oldest in the region and tends to share some stylistic features with other early ceramic traditions of the Southern Cone of America, such as the use of monochromatic surfaces, a preference for dark tones, and emphasis on molded decorations. The Pitrén produced a large variety of ceramic forms that range from simple globular bottles to more elaborate items such as jugs in the form of animals, plants (squash) or humans. Also appearing at this time were the first asymmetric vessels, known as Ketru Metawe or “duck-shaped jug.” These vessels are still manufactured today by Mapuche communities and have a strong symbolic value, especially among married women. The Pitrén people are also thought to have crafted objects in wood.