Shipibo Pot Stories. Patterns of the universe

The universe of the Shipibo is filled with invisible patterns. But how do shamans perceive them? And how can the spheres of the cosmos be kept in balance? 

In the spin-off exhibition “Shipibo Pot Stories. Patterns of the Universe”, a ceremonial beer pot by pottery maker Virgínia Maynas Piñon from the Amazonian rainforest recounts the myths and worldviews of the Shipibo.

Featuring unique patterned drawings, these chomos beer pots visualise Shipibo stories about the cosmos. In this spin-off exhibition, one of the human faced pots, called joni chomo, by ceramic artist Virgínia Maynas Piñon is virtually brought to life for a period of three weeks. The multimedia installation - and thesis project - by artist and student René Appel allows the pot to speak, thanks to digital animation. Contemporary Shipibo artist Harry Pinedo advised Appel on the cultural content and contributed his own art works for the animations. This cooperative project connects contemporary Indigenous art and knowledge and the art of digital design.

In addition to the beer pot, the exhibition also presents further Shipibo objects from the Weltkulturen Museum collection that all bear the typical kené patterns of the Shipibo. It explores these patterned drawings, which depict a universe in balance. The exhibition also examines the danger that the destruction of the rainforest poses to this balance.

“Shipibo Pot Stories. Patterns of the Universe” augments the current major exhibition “healing. Life in Balance”, which presents a range of voices exploring healing, transformation and balance. 

Artists involved:  René Appel,  Harry Pinedo,  Virgínia Maynas Piñon

Curated by: Laura Heidemann 

14 May - 04 June 2023
Opening: Saturday, 13 May, 8pm (Night of the Museums)

Weltkulturen Labor, Schaumainkai 37

Admission: Admission to the opening exclusively with the Night of the Museums ticket. (MuseumsuferCard holders and children under 12 years of age are admitted free of charge). Online advance ticket sales at: Museen-Ticket
During the runtime: free of charge.