|
HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Tlaloc Effigy Vessels : Guanacaste-Nicoya Tlaloc Effigy Vessel
|
 |
|
|
|
Guanacaste-Nicoya Tlaloc Effigy Vessel - PF.3463
Origin: Guanacaste, Nicoya, Costa Rica
Circa: 1200
AD
to 1500
AD
Dimensions:
12" (30.5cm) high
Catalogue: V16
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
Location: United States
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
The artist of this work has created a masterpiece,
colors and forms to produce a work of
art that has significance in the Costa Rican
culture. The mirror-bright burnished surfaces
are technically unsurpassed by any Pre-
Columbian pottery, and deep tones of oranges,
reds, creams, and blacks on this polychrome
decoration seem impressively vivid. This human
figure is embellished with tattoos and body
painting. At first glance these patterns appear as
flowers, but after careful examination, we see the
true jaguar forms, a suggestion of power and
authority. Elaborately decorated with colors and
patterns, this sculpted work of art is seated in a
position of authority, on a jaguar-covered throne
to suggest stability. Once again, we find
ourselves recognizing this figure as a special
person in his community, through the wearing of
a flat headdress. His crescent-shaped eyes
outlined with black paint, his lips shining with
orange coloring, and his cheeks made up with
patterns all show the strong charisma of this
face. His mouth is open, expressing surprise and
delight. The legs contain clay balls, producing a
rattle-like sound as we shake this object. Thus,
this must have been used on ceremonial
occasions for the worship of this man. This
vessel is a dazzling polychrome representation of
a leader in this community.
- (PF.3463)
|
| |
|
