Zoomorphic Tripod Vessel, 800 CE - 1200 CE
Terracotta
13.5
PF.3984
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Throughout the history of art, many depictions have been seen relating directly to the society or the traditions of the artist. This vessel is no exception but is very rare...
Throughout the history of art, many depictions have been seen relating directly to the society or the traditions of the artist. This vessel is no exception but is very rare indeed. The animal itself represents a type of wild boar that sits on its haunches, supported by a tail. This could be a shaman dressed with a mask representing a boar. The red terracotta accentuates the imagery and the delicate painted motifs on the body. At the back of the head, the coarse hair of the boar has been added giving it an amount of realism. The legs contain a small terracotta ball in them to create the rattle sound that was used during ritual ceremonies. The snout is the only real sculptural part of this piece, yet it creates a truly forbidding figure, but exquisitely crafted, in turn creating a wonderful work of art.