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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Zoomorphic Vessels : Terracotta Vessel in the Form of an Armadillo
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Terracotta Vessel in the Form of an Armadillo - PF.3435
Origin: Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Circa: 200
AD
to 500
AD
Dimensions:
9.75" (24.8cm) high
x 4.5" (11.4cm) wide
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
$8,600.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
This charming, plump armadillo stands
innocently with a tender expression. The
delicately sculpted armadillo seems like a
harmless creature with which Ancient Costa
Ricans had a special relationship. Created with
rich dark color, the armadillo seems to be eating
something. Its round back is incised with
pyramid-shaped patterns and speckle incision
marks, and its tail is also enhanced with an
incision encircling incision lines. Lovingly made
with attention to every detail, this clay armadillo
reveals its relationship with Ancient Costa
Ricans. In Costa Rica, armadillo was a source of
animal protein along with wild goat and tapir.
Armadillo, thus, provided nourishment for the
people. Different tribes of Costa Rica often
hunted them, and the incised enhancement on
the sculpted armadillo is said to represent
specific tribes. Considering how lovingly the
creature is sculpted, it seems that the Ancient
people were well aware of the important
contribution of armadillos. Although armadillos
were hunted and consumed, the hunters did not
consider armadillo as just a source of
nourishment but also as precious living
creatures. The sculpted armadillo exhibits tribal
marking--transference of tribal identification
and status. This sculpture of the armadillo, thus,
reveals the unique human relationship. Costa
Ricans knew that their source of nourishment is
also a respectful living creature, like the people
in each tribe. The charming armadillo with his
tender eating position also seems to
acknowledge the natural cycle and needs of the
world.
- (PF.3435)
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