Photo © Finnin/AMNH

The Conibo people of eastern Peru believe the universe was once covered with geometric designs. People painted their houses, clothing, and bodies with delicate geometric patterns. The design patterns were said to come from Ronin, the great World Boa snake upon whose skin all the designs can be found. Conibo pots are used for water and fermented drinks. The coiled construction of the pot is said to resemble the sleeping great World Boa whose body encloses the cosmos.