File:Narino-Tuza footed Dish with Animal Motifs.jpg

English: Dishes with annular supports are found throughout the Nariño- Carchí region, which straddles the international border between Colombia and Ecuador, although stylistic differences distinguish highly localized sub-traditions. The Tuza complex, found at archaeological sites in the upper Guaitara River region and perhaps related to the historical Pastos people of the area, is differentiated by the use of positive painting rather than negative-resist painting found elsewhere in the region. Further, Tuza decorative motifs are almost exclusively restricted to the vessel interior. The design of this bowl features a single motif at the center of the bowl and a ring of feline-headed figures holding staff -like objects. This bowl's program features thin, delicately rendered figural forms that move elegantly around the vessel's circular pictorial field. The painter took into account the image-altering curvature of the bowl, elongating the figures' legs so that their body proportions do not appear distorted by the concave arc of the vessel.

Exhibitions

• Exploring Art of the Ancient Americas: The John Bourne Collection Gift. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore; Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Nashville. 2012-2013.