 |
|
Home |
|
RARE Muisca Two Chamber Vessel, Pre-Columbian Colombia browse these categories for related items... Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian: Pottery: Pre 1492: Item # 949538
Riverbend Gallery By Appointment Athens, GA 30605 706-424-4626 Guest Book $549 |
|
|
|
A fine example of pottery from the ancient Muisca culture of Pre-Columbian Colombia, circa 1000 A.D. - 1540 A.D. Measuring approximately 9 1/2" long by about 5 3/4" tall, this example features two separate but connected chambers, each with a spout, connected by an incised strap handle. Of main interest, the front chamber spout is formed as a stylized seated figure- likely representative of a chieftain. The figure's ears are pierced and they are shown wearing a head-banded head dress and a large necklace. The eyes are depicted as squinted and puffy, which may suggest a trance-like state for the individual. The strap handle features incised geometric patterns. Armand Labbe, in his important book "Colombia Before Colombus", comments on the rarity of this kind of material in saying that "relatively little Muisca material culture has survived" (Labbe pg. 153). Muisca artifacts are indeed rare, and this is a striking, large example. Condition: Intact with one minor, stable, horizontal stress crack (about 3" long) along the back of the rear chamber. The surface finish/slip is heavily mottled from wear over centuries of burial. Minor chipping, abrasions, pitting and wear overall. There are ample remains of ancient mineral deposits, and the interior retains remnants of loose sediment from burial. There is a small brush stroke of white pigment on the bottom for the application of a collection number, which can be carefully removed if desired. Provenance: Former private Georgia, USA collection. Reference: See Armand Labbe's book "Colombia Before Colombus", pages 152-159, 170-171 for comparable examples and excellent scholarly information. A fascinating and rare example of Pre-Columbian Muisca pottery that displays impressively. |
||
|
|||||||||
| Categories | Shops | Join | Terms | Critique | Map | Help | |||