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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Zoomorphic Vessels : Polychrome Zoomorphic Vessel
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Polychrome Zoomorphic Vessel - PF.3417
Origin: Costa Rica (Guanacaste)
Circa: 1200
AD
to 1550
AD
Dimensions:
9.5" (24.1cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
$9,800.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
The patterning of colors and shapes over this
vase makes the composition of this work
extraordinary. As we stare at the combination of
black, orange, brown, and white we find the
colors aesthetically pleasing as well as bold in
their visual contrasts. We assume that the artist
has made a consistent choice to depict nature
and explore the patterns seen in the natural
world. Thus, the top banding of color reminds us
of the patterns of rock formations, and
landscapes seen in Costa Rica. The second layer
looks like the patterning of houses with the black
representing nightfall, and the orange to show
daybreak on either side of the home. The true
symbol of nature, the animal, is seen three times
very boldly painted in order to express this
culture's reverence for the crocodile. The
crocodile was a very prominent part of this Costa
Rican culture. Though they worshipped this
animal and placed it on their artworks, they also
feared the power and mysteriousness of the
beast. Depicted here is a crocodile's head
attached to a human-like body. This culture is
willing to give the crocodile human
characteristics, such as muscular limbs and a
small body shape, which shows how they revered
this animal. The patterning on the base shows us
the changing colors and patterns of light and
dark, day and night, life and death, which always
remain part of our art, and our culture.
- (PF.3417)
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