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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Colima Incensarios : Colima Janiform Incensario
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Colima Janiform Incensario - PF.2481
Origin: Western Mexico
Circa: 100
BC
to 250
AD
Dimensions:
17.75" (45.1cm) high
x 7.25" (18.4cm) wide
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Style: Colima
Medium: Terracotta
$9,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
This dramatic work of art is an extraordinary
example of a highly distinctive type of Colima
effigy vessel known as a canasta basket by the
ancient people of Western Mexico who created it.
The receptacle portion of the vessel, which
possibly functioned as an incensario, is formed
by the backs of the heads of opposite facing
nude male figures whose abbreviated bodies and
legs serve as a tetra pod support for the vessel.
These imposing figures, possibly representing
the ancient rain God Tlaloc, are made even more
startling by the accompaniment of twin two
headed snakes who project from the upper
portion of one of the deities heads. The snake
bodies then proceed to intertwine above the
God’s head and end with their opposing
serpentine heads resting against the vessels
large basket handle. With their exaggerated
standing positions, we can almost imagine these
dual images of the God Tlaloc positioned over
Tlalocan, the paradise of the rain god. Here is
the heaven to which those who have drowned or
otherwise died by water are delivered a paradise
where human spirits spend an idyllic afterlife
among flowers, butterflies, and other heavenly
delights. Clearly, the unearthly qualities of
Tlaloc translate most powerfully in this vessel,
revealing the spiritual beliefs of a ancient culture
and their ability to translate those beliefs into
timeless works of art.
- (PF.2481)
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