Pre-Columbian Nicoya painted pottery vase

M82

£275.00

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A burnished pottery vase on three legs with painted decoration and a false spout to the rim shaped as an animal head.

The animal head (possibly an ant-eater) contains a clay ball or pebble so that it acts as a rattle when turned. Details such as this served no obvious practical purpose and are thought to be linked to ceremonial/religious practices. The combination of geometric patterns and zoomorphic elements reflects the influence of both Maya and Aztec artistic traditions which were prevalent in the region.

Culture
Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica region, Greater Nicoya, late 1st Millennium AD

Size
16.3 x 17 cms including the false spout head

Condition
Repaired on the upper body, some small chips and wear as seen in the photographs

Provenance
Ex. deceased estate, Bath, Somerset, UK; acquired late 20th Century

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