This beautifully sculpted animal effigy vessel was
a very important type of commercial ware during
the Toltec civilization. It was produced at only
one place, on the Pacific slope of the Ancient
region known as Soconusco. Such sculptural
vessel from this region is called plumbate ware
and the process which it was made seems to
have been a secret. The plumbate ware was
highly valued and was traded to far regions such
as Panama. Although the sculpted vessel shows
features created with incision lines on the
beautiful dark-brown surface, the vessel is
known for its exceptional hardness--it can be
scarcely scratched with steel. This effigy vessel is
a superb example of the Toltec culture since
most of its effigy vessels only depict gods, men,
and animals.
- (DE.069)
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