Terracotta Roller Seal - PF.1905, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 2" (5.1cm) high x 1.5" (3.8cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Terracotta. Sometimes a small artifact, part of daily life, held and used by vanished hands, puts us in intimate touch with the world that created it. Roller seals were used throughout a large part of Ancient America to create patterned body paint or to decorate cloth. Dipped in pigment, these seals were rolled over the surface to form a repeated design. This charming little example depicts an abstract monkey with a curved tail, surrounded by geometric patterns. As we gaze upon its elegant simplicity, we share our pleasure with those whose life it ornamented centuries ago.

Antiquities
Ancient Unknown