Pre-Columbian Art in the Fleming Museum Collection

January 15 - July 3, 2002
Wilbur Room

The Fleming Museum is pleased to present a selection of objects from the Museum’s collection of Pre-Columbian art from Mexico, Central America, and the Andean regions of Peru. These works are principally ceramics ranging from tiny figurines to elegant jars and bowls and striking human and animal effigies. Also included are ceremonial carvings in stone. The objects span nearly 3000 years, up to the Spanish conquests of Mexico in 1519 and Peru in 1533.

The Museum acquired the pieces through the generosity of numerous donors. The collection will be supplemented with several outstanding works on loan. A speial case will display ancient Peruvian textiles, one of which may be familiar to regular Museum visitors from the recent Andean textile show, Weaving the Patterns of the Land. Here they are shown with works of art in a variety of media, from Peru and other ancient South American civilizations.

This exhibition is guest curated by Burlington resident, Philippa Shaplin. She is a widely known and respected museum lecturer and Professor Emerita, Tufts University and School of the Museum of Fine Arts. She will speak about this special exhibition at a Lunchtime Talk entitled South of the Border: The Origins of Pre-Columbian Art in the Fleming Museum Collection. March 27, 12:15 pm.