The vessel portion of this object rests on the
back of a beautifully modeled jaguar. The animal
lies comfortably with its front feet extended,
while he turns his bulbous eyes upwards as if
watching a bird in a tree. His open mouth
exposes very sharp and very realistic teeth.
Incised lines in sharp triangular shapes cleverly
represents whiskers. Pointed ears provide added
realism, and also a perfect structural balance to
the extension of the spout. The artist has
obviously allowed the sculptural element to
predominate over the purely functional nature of
the vessel. Jaguar cults proliferated in
Mesoamerica and their elaborate rituals involved
using various substances, both in liquid and dry
form. The excellent quality of this vessel attests
to it having been made for a wealthy individual,
who no doubt took pride in owning it as an
object of beauty and great charm.
- (PF.1198)
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