The finer objects produced in Ancient Costa Rica
tend to have a ritualistic-cult association as seen
in their iconography, though the precise
meaning is often unknown. However, the
jaguar/human effigy figures on vases and bowls
are probably related to the jaguar cults that
flourished for centuries in Central and South
America. The refined elegance of this bowl, with
its cream slip background and fine-line drawing,
is associated with the Luna Polychrome style. The
tripod legs are beautifully modeled jaguar heads,
with mouth open wide exposing fierce teeth, and
eyes cleverly highlighted with red and black to
make them appear even more intense. The
interior shows a pair of stylized birds, (or one
bird with two heads), facing in opposite
directions. Its wings are very geometric, yet quite
effective and feathery. A bold red circle in the
center provides a focal point for the eyes to roam
around the intricate pattern of the upper rim.
The overall effect is one of simplicity coupled
with complex designs, of vibrant energy swirling
on the interior and static energy on the outside,
combined into an ever changing, dynamic object
of beauty.
- (PF.4229)
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