New - With Special Reference to Anthropomorphic Iconography.

A unique scientific and illustrated study on one of the oldest and most enduring genres of ceramics in Ecuador: the sello, or seal. The product of unknown artists, the sellos provide us with mute testimony of unknown history of the lost world of pre-Columbian civilizations. The purpose of the present study is to contribute to an enhanced understanding of such objects.

By Paolo Brogini and Mario Di Salvo

“So it is an important task that Paolo Brogini and Mario Di Salvo have undertaken in bringing to light one of the oldest and most enduring genres of ceramics in Ecuador: the sello or seal. Interesting the hypothesis of the authors relating to the use of sellos: sellos as a form of communication and sellos as amulets or ritual objects . . . And it is clear from the illustrations and text of these authors that they have taken great joy and have learned a great deal by studying and using these seals. To underline the scientific importance of the numerous dates that were revealed as a result of thermoluminescence tests. It is their admiration and respect for the past and its beauty that they share with us in the pages that follow.” Thomas B.F. Cummins