The reflection of esotericism to the traditional and contemporary ceramics art in central and South American civilizations

Esotericism refers to the doctrines related with secret knowledge, evolutionary syncretic religious principles and many other different practical knowledge. As the films and fictions, which offer supernatural figures such as witches, wizards, vampires, pixies to the audience, are the most popular ones nowadays; we can claim that esoteric knowledge has a big influence on modern culture of the 21st Century. Not only dramatic and visual arts but also plastic arts such as ceramic, sculpture or painting have been effected by esotericism during the history. In this regard, it is thought that the ceramic works of Maya Aztec and Inca civilizations are the most genuine examples of the relation between art and esotericism. These civilizations, settled in Central and South America, used ceramic as a tool for conveying messages of esoteric doctrines. Ceramic, which is considered as a magic material, is both used for creating three-dimensional occult characters and for figuring veiled stories. Mayas Aztecs and Incas displayed special sensitivity while shaping the ceramics that serve spiritualized world and they regarded the processes of shaping, decorating with various techniques and kilning the object as esoteric performance. Esotericism and ceramic relation started with the ceremony and serving objects which narrate mythological stories. Today, this relation is pursued by artisan families produce traditionally in spite of the colonization after Spanish invasion. However, it can be observed that the pioneer artists influence contemporary ceramic art do not deny the aesthetic values peculiar to their culture and they convey these old traditions to the future by undertaking them idiosyncratically. In this study, the historical development of ceramic art in Central and South American civilizations, its relation with esotericism, the effect of esotericism on modern ceramic art and the similarities between esotericism and creation processes are examined.