Guanacaste-Nicoya Effigy Vessel, depicting a Stylised Jaguar, AD 800 - AD 1200
Ceramic, Pigment
26.4 x 26.6 cm
10 3/8 x 10 1/2 in
10 3/8 x 10 1/2 in
PF.4391
A stylized jaguar is attached by all fours to the side of this globular vessel. The body of the animal is rounded and decorated with white circles against black on...
A stylized jaguar is attached by all fours to the side of this globular vessel. The body of the animal is rounded and decorated with white circles against black on both sides, separated by a central border containing squares and horizontal lines. Turning to look over its left shoulder the jaguar's mouth is open to reveal teeth, while the eyes are masked within a band of black that serves to accentuate their intensity. The vessel's rim has a series of zoomorphic glyphs between bands of red, white and black designs. Modeled to appear as a jaguar's paws, the three feet are positioned at an angle to give greater stability to the bulbous body; which is done in fine white slip for which this period of pottery is famous.