White slipped pottery first appeared c.800 A.D.
and continued until the Spanish conquest. With
this change came new themes of pictorial
imagery and a new appearance in the art of
ceramics. At some point artists began applying
heavy coats of white as a background
foundation. This served to highlight symbols and
designs in a spectacular way, making the reading
of a vessel easier and more dramatic. In the
absence of a written language, art was a way of
communicating ideas to people of similar cultural
backgrounds. During these periods three central
themes appeared- Man/Jaguar; Plumed Serpent;
and Effigy face. The figure on this stunning
vessel seems to belong to this last category. The
face itself is reminiscent of Tlaloc or Rain-God of
Central Mexico; and given further representation
by making the vessel like a seated man, with feet
and hands done in a delightful, almost playful,
abstract manner. Another interesting aspect is a
panel or band on the upper portion showing the
profiles of two identical figures. Each wears an
elaborate headdress with a triangle in black
painted around the eye. This probably depicts a
shaman who is warily watching out for spirits or
signs in the heavens. There is a feeling that the
central figure in particular and the vessel as a
whole, is offering protection to whoever is its
owner. It is generally assumed women were
pottery makers, and it is fascinating to detect a
feminine touch in the beautifully worked clay.
- (PF.4156)
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