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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Tlaloc Effigy Vessels : Guanacaste-Nicoya Vessel Depicting the Head of Tlaloc
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Guanacaste-Nicoya Vessel Depicting the Head of Tlaloc - PF.3462
Origin: Guanacaste, Nicoya, Costa Rica
Circa: 1200
AD
to 1550
AD
Dimensions:
10" (25.4cm) high
Catalogue: v16
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Style: Guanacaste-Nicoya
Medium: Terracotta
Location: United States
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| Description |
The symbolism and use of color on this vessel is
extremely intense. The bold use of
oranges, black, and white illuminates the vessel,
and reflects this person's high status. The
crocodile was revered and feared at the same
time by this culture for their magnificent power,
for the crocodile had the potential to harm or
protect. On this vessel we find curvilinear lines
outlining the powerful form of this animal,
showing this person must have
been a very meaningful leader in the community.
There is a tremendous amount of
movement, seen in the open mouth which looks
as if it is talking, and smiling at the same time.
There is movement in the banding around the
neck of this vessel as well. Again, dual meanings
are seen in the patterns under the eyes, which
may have represented tribal scars or tears. The
face of this vessel reminds us of Tlaloc, the
Mexican god of rain. The symbolic
interpretations for this vessel are numerous, but
the one thing that is apparent is the power of
this person represented through color, line,
forms, and symbols.
- (PF.3462)
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