Guanacaste-Nicoya Crocodile/Tlaloc Vessel
Intricate Details and Artistic Narrative of this
Crocodile/Tlaloc Vessel
Crocodilian style effigy jar from the Nicoya Region of Costa Rica. This superlative pear-shaped polychrome ceramic vessel has two protruding crocodile heads with a beautiful complex painted motif that stands on hollow rattle tripod legs. Openwork mouth prominently exposes his upper and lower teeth. Two continuous painted bands separate the lower crocodilian vessel from the vast panel effigy around the neck of the jar. A ritual imagery of Tlaloc is decorated between the upper and lower geometric designs. Buff Tan slip, burnished, with black and orange-red paint. Rare. Reassembled from large sections with restoration over breaks.
Early period VI, 1000 – 1550 AD
Measures 13″/33 cm in height.
Jaguar’s heads are the most commonly applied heads of such jars. Having a starring role in the religious and mythological concepts expressed through the designs on polychrome ceramics, the mighty crocodile prevailed in design schemes at an earlier period. This vessel’s added human or deity face makes it unique as both symbols are associated simultaneously with the rains, fertility, and life-giver.
Price $5,500
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