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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Art of Panama : Cocle Terracotta Vessel in the Form of a Coatimundi
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Cocle Terracotta Vessel in the Form of a Coatimundi - PF.1350
Origin: Panama
Circa: 1200
AD
to 1500
AD
Dimensions:
8.25" (21.0cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
$4,800.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
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Archaeological excavations in the Cocle Province
located in Central Panama have revealed that an
ancient civilization once inhabited these lands.
The findings suggested that the so-called Cocle
culture arose around 500 A.D. and lasted until
about 1000 A.D. Although their dating is roughly
contemporaneous with the Diquis culture to the
north in modern day Costa Rica, the art they left
behind suggests that they were a unique,
independent civilization. Cocle art, which
consists primarily of unslipped or buff slipped
pottery and terracotta sculptures, is
distinguished by their polychrome hues and
lively asymmetrical motifs which often include
animal themes.
Cocle art reflects a deep love of the natural
world. The flora and fauna of the region are
depicted with a bold abstraction that combines a
sense of wonder with a sense of humor. Here,
through a blending of modeling and painting, a
coatimundi emerges from the rounded contours
of a vessel. Resembling a racoon, the coati is
native to the Americas. It has a long tail which is
usually held erect, something the potter has
alluded to in the handle. Rendered with a few
simple lines, this caoti bares his teeth and shows
his sharp claws, as if to frighten away animal
intruders from the contents of his jar. Try as he
might, it is difficult for us to take him seriously.
His charm far outweighs his ferocity.
- (PF.1350)
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