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HOME : Pre-Columbian Art : Monkey Effigy Vessels : Guanacaste-Nicoya Monkey Effigy Vessel

Guanacaste-Nicoya Monkey Effigy Vessel - PF.4224
Origin: Guanacaste, Nicoya, Costa Rica
Circa: 800 AD to 1500 AD
Dimensions: 11.5" (29.2cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta

Location: UAE

Description

This vessel is a wonderful piece of artistry. The tripod legs are very round and sturdy lacking any signs of tribal design other than a solid black line separating the legs from the vessel. The monkey's body is in the shape of a robust gourd. The head protrudes from the vessel and the face is realistic. The monkey's jaw is jutting forward and the mouth is opened and holds a red object. The arms and hands are painted on the vessel. The long neck of the vessel is covered in many significant tribal designs and geometric patterns. There is a beautiful repetitious motif of jaguars crouching down. The Costa Ricans used the flora and fauna of their environment as the subject matter for the art they produced. The images of certain animals symbolized different powers. The monkey is a humorous and intelligent animal always offering entertainment and perhaps their food. This zoomorphic effigy vessel of a monkey most probably contained food that the monkey was the protector for. - (PF.4224)

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