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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Monkey Effigy Vessels : Guanacaste-Nicoya Monkey Effigy Vessel
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Guanacaste-Nicoya Monkey Effigy Vessel - PF.3813
Origin: Guanacaste, Nicoya, Costa Rica
Circa: 1000
AD
to 1550
AD
Dimensions:
13.5" (34.3cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
$9,600.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
From the depths of the great Guanacaste-Nicoya
Zone of the culturally rich country of Costa Rica,
history and art combine to tell us a story. This
artistic vessel may express one or many of the
ancient stories or mythologies relating to the
monkey. The monkey is painted with bulging
eyes and wide-open mouth. The nose protrudes
and round objects painted orange adorn either
side of the head. The arms loop out with one
hand resting on top of the head and the other at
the mouth. A rather sensitive rendering of a
creature that often does just that. The applied
rattle monkey head is centered between the front
two of the attached rattle tripods. There are
painted jaguar motifs on the rattle tripods. The
bottom is painted orange with claw-like feet.
The third rattle tripod is at the rear. A peculiar
tail is molded above the rear tripod. Geometric
objects are painted on the tail and outlined by a
heavy black line. The jaguar motifs on the
shoulders and tripods tie together the top and
bottom of the vessel. The artist in following the
swelling contours of this pear-shaped vessel has
paid careful attention. The border on the top is
filled with intricately painted elements of various
motifs. Below the mouth rim, there is a row of
hook designs. This vessel may have served an
important function during shaman rituals. The
artistic ingenuity and beautiful shape of this
vessel makes it a masterpiece of well-developed
skill and remarkable creativity.
- (PF.3813)
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