Cylindrical vessels were the highly prized
possessions of the wealthy Teotihuacan elite.
Their use was both ceremonial and functional,
representing the prestige of someone who could
afford an artist with the skill to make such an
object as this beautiful vessel. The rectangular
legs are in relief form, as is the main body, done
in white slip with touches of orange, especially
along the middle and lower rims. One figure
holds a spear and may be related to the Storm
god. Such panels on vessels imitate wall murals
intended to relate tales of mythology, serving as
a pictorial method of instruction. Thus, the
highest quality vessels could be seen as
'inspirational' works, as well as objects of
aesthetic beauty. And even though Teotihuacan
civilization has long vanished, we can still
appreciate its culture through objects of art,
which gave such pleasure to their original
owners.
- (PF.2361)
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