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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Tlaloc Effigy Vessels : Vessel Depicting the Head of Tlaloc
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Vessel Depicting the Head of Tlaloc - PF.4494
Origin: Costa Rica
Circa: 1000
AD
to 1550
AD
Dimensions:
12.5" (31.8cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
$8,600.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
One of the most intriguing mysteries of art is
why a particular style, which may have lasted for
hundreds of years, suddenly changes into
something totally different. Changes in
population, political upheaval, religion, or just
simply a spark of genius from an anonymous
artist are enough to alter the course of an artistic
trend. Between 1150 and 1250 A.D. the Costa
Rican artists developed a style of pottery with
patterns in black and red on a white background,
known as Pataky. Though the form of each
vessel may vary, there is uniformity in the
distinctive chimney-like upper portion. Another
unusual and fascinating feature are faces molded
and painted in an amazing array of style, but
with certain important similarities; such as a
mask-like appearance, grinning expression and
ear spools. This remarkable vessel shows two
faces; one in relief and the other painted. The
main figure, as it appears to be, has a stylized
mouth formed in a grimace, its eyes are black
circles opened wide and expressive, and
highlighted by red sections around the eyes and
chin. The face on the back has a broad smile and
whimsical expression, with a series of semi-
circles underneath which give it volume and
depth. The rounded eyes of the frontal face may
represent the Mesoamerican rain god; or it may
represent a mask worn in ceremonies. This
vessel was probably part of funerary furniture
and designed for symbolic reasons rather than
an utilitarian function. Whatever its exact
purpose, we can thoroughly enjoy the range of
emotions this vessel creates, and let our mind
wander back to a time where rituals of magic and
mystery were embodied in extraordinary art.
- (PF.4494)
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