Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. This is a fascinating hand-built pottery vessel in a style known as a "drum," complete with a fitted lid and serpentine motifs. The exterior walls are adorned with four U-shaped, double-headed serpents in relief, each end with punctuated eyes and incised with stippling on the body and horizontal neck markings. Within the arched bodies are anthropomorphic heads in relief with stylized visages and earspools. The tall vessel rises from the flat base, and the lid sits nicely on top the thick rim. The bicephalic serpent (or dragon) was a signifier of high rank in various Pre-Columbian world views. These two-headed beasts were regarded as sky bands that arched over the earth or surrounded the seas serving as a passageway for the planets and stars of the celestial realm. A fascinating example from the Colima culture, replete with highly symbolic iconography and the finest artistry. Size of vessel w/ lid: 7.5" Diameter x 9" H (19 cm x 22.9 cm); lid: 7.75" Diameter x 1.5" H (19.7 cm x 3.8 cm)

The bicephalic serpent motif decorated wares were associated with individuals of high rank, thus linking them with the powers of this mighty creature. Beyond this, even the singular serpent is a fascinating element of Pre-Columbian iconography as it was regarded to be a beneficial source of nourishment and at the same time quite deadly with its toxic venom. Also important to the indigenous was the fact that snakes shed their skin annually thus rejuvenating themselves and serving as symbols of renewal and good health.

Provenance: ex-Merrin Gallery, New York, New York, USA; ex-private Huber collection, 1960s

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#148197

Professionally repaired and restored. Lid may not be original to this particular vessel. Lid is repaired from approximately 5 pieces with restoration to the rim. Vessel is repaired from over a dozen pieces with infill to gaps and some fissures. Visible break lines on both. Black pigments on vessel are chipping and faded. Modern paint stains to exterior. Some softening and chips to relief motifs, but they are mostly intact. Nice manganese deposits.