Artifacts - Mexico and Central America

 Pre-Columbian 

Mayan Ceramic

Avian Effigy Vessel

origin; Costa Rica

Preclassic

circa 100-500AD

 

SOLD

 

From a California private collection 

 

Very large and impressive avian effigy pottery vessel, probably storage jar or funerary urn. Unglazed terra-cotta clay with a mottled patina from age and burial. Robust ovoid form with rounded bottom. Bilateral avian effigy heads on either side of upper body of the vessel, with lozenge shaped eyes and stylized arched wings on either side of each head. Four protruding eyelets spaced between bird heads, probably used to secure a cover.  Thin, flattened rim at upper edge of vessel.

Surface is speckled with greyish inclusions and patches of calcification overall.   Convex base.  Signs of burnishing.

dimensions: approx 10 1/2" diameter at base x 18" tall 

Very good condition.  Lovely patina. Signs of professional repair, particularly around one eyelet, which is smaller than the others and does not penetrate 100%.  One fine drying crack over the same eyelet.

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