Colima Avian Feline Vessel - PF.2912,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 6.25" (15.9cm) high x 9.875" (25.1cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. This beautifully burnished and red-slipped vessel emits the radiance of deep reddish- orange color on its smooth surface. Such skillfully finished vessel reveals the advanced burnishing and firing techniques used by the people of Ancient Colima. The beautiful vessel is also enhanced with surreal nine avian feline figures, which surround the vessel. Found from a shaft-tomb, this charming vessel was not only gracefully and lovingly decorated but it also had a ritualistic, spiritual significance as well as utilitarian function. Vessels such as this one was not just an item to put in a shaft-tomb but they held special, spiritual meaning. The nine small surreal figures that surround the beautiful vessel reveal such special significance. The figures seem to have bird-shaped bodies but their facial features resemble characteristics of a feline. In Ancient Meso-America both birds and felines, particularly jaguars, signified magical power-- they often symbolized gods. Like magical beings, birds roamed swiftly high in sky and jaguars ruled the ground with their ferocity and speed. Perhaps the artist who created this vessel wished to combine the power and religious significance of two animals. The figures, thus, are not a random choice but a very conscious decision to ascribe this vessel a special meaning, so that it could become a precious offering in a ritual. Just as the vessel itself reveals the careful sculpting and firing work, each figure shows how lovingly they were carved. Across time and culture, we can still feel the effort of the artist's to have his creation embody a very special meaning.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico