From the pear-shaped body of this tripod a long
neck rises to an averted mouth rim. The neck is
free of decoration except for dual vertical ridges
containing incised circles, matching the spots on
the leopards. These handsome cats are attached
to the upper portion of the tubular legs; their
heads turned to the side slightly raised to best
reveal their quizzical expressions. Each one
bears an identical pattern, backs criss-crossed
by a double line of holes, also around the neck,
arms and legs and thick tail. Such tripods as this
one, known as 'chocolate pots" or locally as
floreros because of their pear-shaped bodies,
may have been funerary vessels connected with
internments; or used as special household
objects for ritual purposes. In either case, this
vessel would have been made for wealthy
noblemen who could afford the work of a highly
skilled ceramic artist.
- (PF.3660)
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