Fine Totonac Spouted Jaguar Deity Jar...

Description

Fine Totonac Spouted Jaguar Deity Jar

Totonac
C. 600-900 AD
Slipped and Painted Ceramic
8¾" Tall x 8¼" Wide x 7½" Deep

The underworld deity is designed with rare attributes having a jaguar head with earflares, a striped nose, a central shell ornament between the eyes, probably a small carapace, tall flanges with black striping, incised banding surrounding the eyes, and abstract avian heads above. The vessel features a tall flared spout with wide lip, and a thin pouring spout to the rear. The narrow and long spout shows that this may have served as a pouring vessel for the cocoa drink in which the bitterness of the concoction would be cut by pouring the liquid from several feet above into a drinking cup on the ground, thereby creating a foamy beverage. The bartering for such a valuable commodity as cocoa pods or powders verifies the piece as being reserved for only the royalty members who could have afforded such trade goods.

The imagery resonates a strong connection to the Veracruz culture and is an exemplary vessel crafted in high detail of fine ceramic. The Totonac created ceramics, pottery, and stone images that, through the centuries, carried on traits from their ancestor Olmec culture; the example here, having Olmec flame brows reminiscent of a harpy eagle.

Painted with original red and black on the smooth creamy surface, one flange reattached, some modern fill to an area at the rim, a line on the rear underside. Quite a fine image with strong presence. This lot requires third party shipping.

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