Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A hand-built hollow pottery vessel depicting a curled up snake with a wide-mouthed rim emerging from its back at the center of the form. The finish is russet brown, and the serpent is incised with a circular scale pattern. The snake is a fascinating element of Pre-Columbian iconography as it was regarded to be a beneficial source of nourishment and at the same time quite deadly with its poisonous venom. Also important to the indigenous was the fact that snakes shed their skin annually thus rejuvenating themselves and serving as symbols of renewal and good health. A wonderful example from the Colima culture, replete with highly symbolic iconography and impressive artistry. Size: 8.125" L x 8.125" W x 4.75" H (20.6 cm x 20.6 cm x 12.1 cm)

Provenance: private collection of the late Peter Arnovick, San Francisco, California USA

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#121750

  • Condition: Repaired from multiple pieces with tiny nicks to rim and losses around break lines. Liberal manganese and root marks.

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May 25, 2017 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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