Lot 79
From Northern Veracruz, Mexico, dating 900 - 1200 CE. The Huastec peoples are linguistically related to the Mayas, separated from the peninsular Mayan-speaking groups as early as the beginnings of the Olmec Horizon, ca. 1500 BCE. One, if not both of the two enigmatic, somewhat lifeless faces seen on this well-modeled and unusually elaborate Post classic period ceramic may represent the Mesoamerican act of whistling to the storm gods as a petition for soaking rains. This same tradition is documented today in parts of Veracruz and in the Maya world as farmers clear fields by the slash and burn method, all the while whistling for the winds and rains to increase. The clay body of this vessel emits a distinct fragrance when wet - sweet and earthy. These spouted vessels are often erroneously labeled today as teapots, but it is possible they instead held cacao based drinks which became more frothy being poured through a long spout. Whatever its original ritual use, this effigy vessel surely imparted a flavor to the liquid it once held. Made from a soft, kaolin based clay and painted with a rich brown-black paint. 9"D x 5-1/2"H. A rare type of Pre-Columbian ceramic! Provenance: Ex-M. Cichon Tribal Arts, FL. All items in this auction are legal to buy/sell under U.S. statute covering cultural patrimony per United States Code 2600, CHAPTER 14 -- CONVENTION ON CULTURAL PROPERTY, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
- Condition: In excellent, original condition, missing strap handle which once spanned the vessel opening. This was removed in antiquity, and one other small shard has been simply glued back into place.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |