Native American, Southeast / Midwestern United States, Mississippian, "Bell Plains" type, ca. 960 to 1280 CE. A sizable and splendid pottery vessel made using clay coils, with the head of a feline rising up from the rim and a curled tail at the opposite side. The basin rests on a rounded yet stable base, and the impressively thin walls rise upwards to a slightly flared lip. The head features pointed ears, a projecting, bulbous snout, and an open-mouthed snarl with barred teeth. The cat-serpent is a popular motif that appears throughout Mississippian art. A combination of a wild feline and a rattlesnake, scholars posit that this fantastical creature is likely a water-spirit, a mythological being, or a deity figure. A rare and remarkable vessel with mysterious symbolism! Size: 12.125" in diameter x 8" H (30.8 cm x 20.3 cm)

According to author Jim Maus, "The general sectarian opinion seemed to be that there was evil underwater, whether in lakes or streams or deep in watery caves and the Horned Water Serpent could keep the wickedness in check, if the people stimulated it to do so. Or it could unleash the maliciousness onto the human population if it was not accepted and treated as a supreme being. We will probably never know just when or how the tales of this leviathan were begun but the cultural shamans or priests along with the regional kings probably had much to do with propagating the myths. For eons, around the world, society leaders have conjured up stories of devils or dragons or demons so as to gain control over their uneducated subjects. And there are no reasons to believe that the ancient Americans did not do likewise."

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Kansas City, Missouri, USA collection; ex-John Townsend collection, acquired in the 1970s and earlier

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#161999

Repaired from three to five pieces with restoration over break lines and some minor restoration to head, rim, and tail. Light nicks/chips and abrasions in areas, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent.