One of the most exciting and expressive Pre-
Columbian art styles belongs to a group of
people who lived in the pacific region of Ancient
Mexico close to the 13,000 foot-high volcano
"Colima." Here, artists modeled in clay a rich
assortment of animal and plant figures, such as
this striking vessel in the form of an armadillo.
In Spanish, armadillo means, "little armored
one." The armadillo truly is one of the most
spectacular and unusual appearing creatures in
the animal kingdom. Looking somewhat like a
cross between an anteater and a turtle, the
armadillo features a tough, thick bard outer shell
that protects it from the harsh elements and
potential predators. When threatened, the
armadillo curls itself into a hall, becoming
virtually indestructible. Subsisting on a diet of
insects and invertebrates, the armadillo can
often be spotted burrowing through the ground
in search of grubs. Occasionally, they are known
to eat berries and bird eggs. Due to their digging
habits, they are sometimes known
"gravediggers," due to the legendary belief that
they were eating the bodily remains of the
deceased. This vessel was discovered burried in
a tomb alongside the deceased. May it once
have held precious offerings to the gods inside
its hollow belly? Perhaps it contained liquids
that were meant for the consumption of the
deceased in the afterlife? Clearly this elegantly
modelled effigy vessel played a vital role in the
world beyond. Today, we are charmed by its
beauty and inspired by its history.
- (PF.5834)
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