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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Jaguar Effigy Vessels : Guanacaste-Nicoya Jaguar Effigy Vessel
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Guanacaste-Nicoya Jaguar Effigy Vessel - PF.3643
Origin: Guanacaste, Nicoya, Costa Rica
Circa: 500
AD
to 1000
AD
Dimensions:
17" (43.2cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
Location: United States
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| Description |
This magnificent jaguar stands on his hind legs
and roars across the centuries to attract our
attention. The vessel appears so animated that
one expects it to move at any time. The actual
body of the vessel is a basic jar shape common
to tripods of this region. What makes this vessel
unique is the way in which the creature’s
forelegs have been appliquéd to the body, and
the addition of the wonderfully modeled head.
The jaguar is portrayed with bulging incised
eyes, and a wide-open roar that exposes his
fiercely pointed teeth. The whiskers, ears and
brows are incised, as is the entire body, which is
decorated by spots to represent the fur. The
vessel terminates on three hollow rattle legs, the
two front legs representing the beast’s hind legs,
and the third leg at the rear is his tail. The
obvious respect and revere that is afforded to
this beast shines through in the modeling. The
stance also suggests parallels with the
representation of a deity or a totemic symbol.
- (PF.3643)
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