Vessel Depicting the Head of Tlaloc, 500 CE - 1550 CE
Terracotta
10.5
PF.3688
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This magnificent jar rests on a flared pedestal that is painted with a repeating alligator motif. Appliquéd on one side of the body is a large face with painted button...
This magnificent jar rests on a flared pedestal that is painted with a repeating alligator motif. Appliquéd on one side of the body is a large face with painted button eyes, a small nose and a rectangular mouth with prominent teeth and a protruding tongue. Ear ornaments with large tabs meant to imitate gold are applied to each side. The use of orange is often used on such effigies to represent gold jewelry. On the reverse of the bowl is a double band of gouache pattern, and surmounting this, around the mouth-rim of the entire vessel is a band of repeating animal heads. This type of stylized painting in polychrome is designed to create an overall surface pattern. The decorative and symbolic qualities of this jar make it a timeless reminder of the civilization from whence it came.