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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Art of Panama : Cocle Terracotta Avian Effigy Vessel
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Cocle Terracotta Avian Effigy Vessel - PF.1353
Origin: Panama
Circa: 1200
AD
to 1400
AD
Dimensions:
8.125" (20.6cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
$3,600.00
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.
With the bold abstraction characteristic of Cocle
art, the potter has transformed this vessel into a
majestic bird. Without losing the generous round
shape of the pot, he has added minimal but
essential details--wings, a tail, and a beak--
that are unmistakably bird-like. In ancient
Panama birds were sometimes worshipped as
gods, nature spirits with power over the fate of
man. Looking at this regal creature, we do not
doubt for a moment his divine status.
- (PF.1353)
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