This stylized human head effigy with an
expressive face is a tri-polychrome type. Its
round head is enhanced with warm earthy colors
and fluid black lines, which define facial features
and decorative patterns. The top of the vessel is
dressed with thin orange lines and a thick black
line that encircle the opening. The wide-open
eyes beneath the slightly raised, thick eyebrow
and the open mouth revealing teeth create an
awed expression. The face appears as if it saw
something extraordinary, perhaps a spiritual
image in midst of a ritual around the eyes and
the mouth is painted patterns, suggests facial
scarification. More interestingly, the back of the
vessel displays a large black pattern, which
seems to hold an esoteric meaning. As we look
at the mark, we wonder if it tells the identity of
the person, or maybe a ritually significant theme.
Our eyes are delighted by this unusual sculpture
and our minds are stimulated by the endless
possibilities of the vessel's function and
meaning. Bold and dramatic, this vessel is to
carry its esoteric history into the future.
- (PF.3532)
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