Back to The Quito Museum
Regional Development and Integration
I (355 B.C.E. – 400 A.C.E.)
II (400 – 1532 A.C.E.)
Remains that prove their existence have been found on the Ecuadorian coast, in Cojimíes in the south of Esmeraldas, and from Bahía to Caráquez in Manabí. Their extensive legacy especially includes pieces in metal, stone, shell and clay. The Jama-Coaque ceramicists used molds, hollow figures that were filled with clay and with which they achieved conformity in the pieces they created in series.
They excelled in the production of cylindrical seals with cavities which were used for body decoration and possibly also for textiles printing also stand out. These accompanied containers of multiple forms, with and without feet, whose elaborate decorations suggests they were not only utilitarian but also ceremonial. Their decorations fused human figures with those of animals, cats with long fangs, or serpents that circled the pieces.
Jama-Coaque
Through their art the Jama-Coaque ceramicists sent their messages to the present day, telling us of a stratified society and a highly developed culture that maintained a division of labor with different activities for each role, including warriors, farmers, dancers, navigators, musicians, and priests in cult-like poses. A full range of distinctly formed figures decorated in various colors makes up the body of Jama-Coaque ceramics.
The human body was shown in multiple positions. They practiced cranial deformation, and wore multi-colored adornments that reflected the rich natural surroundings, depicting pineapples, corn, pumpkins, snails, and feathers, among other images. Decorating their bodies are necklaces, bracelets, chest plates, nose rings, headdresses and earrings. The male figure, when it is not nude, wears less decoration than the female figure.
From the figures in their ceramics and the type of decorations simulating birds with negative paint (white on red or post-firing in green, yellow and red tones), we can presume they had pre-Hispanic contact with cultures of the northern Ecuadorian coast and those which developed in Central America.
You can view this piece and more like it in our Quito Museum. Purchase your own unique Ecuadorian art in one of our 5 shops in mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos during your next Ecuador tour. If you are interested in learning more about Ecuadorian culture and the history of Ecuador, please visit our Art in Ecuador page for many great articles about each region’s artisans and arts.