Description:

Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, Guanacaste-Nicoya area, ca. 600 to 1100 CE. An impressive pottery jar supported by 3 lizard effigy legs, each containing a petite rattle. Surmounted by a flared rim, the ovoid jar features 3 small frogs beneath its shoulder, one between each of the legs. The reptiles each face upward displaying target motif eyes, and wide mouths with bared teeth as their long bodies taper to narrow feet and dozens of spikes line their backs. Although the reptilian forms are abstract, there is a degree of reality, as they appear to crawl up each leg, approaching the mouth of the vessel. Size: 7.6" L x 7.9" W x 9.3" H (19.3 cm x 20.1 cm x 23.6 cm)

This vessel is sometimes referred to as a "chocolate pot" after its association with the cherished cocoa beverage. This form with its long legs, the bowl deep, almost cauldron-like, with a nicely flared lip, originates from the Diquis Region of Costa Rica and dates to the Chiriqui Phase.

Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection, before 2002; ex-private Louis Redstone collection, Detroit, Michigan, USA

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#182611

  • Condition: Still functions as a rattle. Professionally repaired and restored with chipping along visible break lines in some areas. Some expected nicks and abrasions, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, nice presentation and good detail.

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December 14, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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