Early Arts of Peru

Peru boasts a particularly rich culture which has been formed over centuries under influences from various civilizations which originated as early as 1,200 BC. The first building culture of Peru, one of the earliest and most influential in the country was the Chavin culture, which developed in the northern Andes between 1,200 and 400 BC. Although not much remains from this fascinating culture, a few archeological sites have been uncovered, featuring impressive architectural techniques as well as human forms and geometric shapes on their potteries, which have greatly influenced artists all over the world, such as Pablo Picasso.

The Moche people appear among the earlier civilizations of Peru, flourishing over a long period between 100 BC and AD 850. Although they ruled over a relatively small territory in northern Peru, their mastery or art techniques and tremendous cultural contributions made them one of the most influential civilizations in the history of Peru. Among their fantastic heritage are some impressive pyramids, rich jewelry, and sumptuous ceramics. They are particularly famous for their refined erotic pottery.

Of course, the Inca is the most renowned civilization of Peru with countless remnants of this glorious empire which conquered most of Peru in the 15th century. The Incas are most famous for their architectural heritage which features some truly amazing characteristics, and extremely evolved techniques, some of which still remain a mystery today. The most famous Inca site is the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, recognized among the World's New 7 Wonders. However, the Incas were surprisingly relatively unimaginative artists, and they relied on former the motifs and methods of former societies that they conquered.

The colonial conquest by the Spanish brought an entirely new cultural influence to Peru, which is one of the most common all around the country. In virtually every city, colonial buildings and art stand as remainders of these times. The combination between European and indigenous artistic traditions resulted in a unique Peruvian art that is found nowhere else in the world. The most famous art movement under the colonial conquest is known as the Escueala Cusqueña (Cusco School), predominantly European and catholic but with strong traditional Andean influences.