Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, ca. 500 to 1000 CE. An impressive pottery incensario lid in the form of a stylized crocodile bearing a fierce yet flowery expression. Standing atop the discoid lid, the ferocious beast presents tubular limbs and a lengthy, pointed tail as openwork motifs and clusters of spiked nodules adorn its body. A huge head projects out from its body, elaborately embellished with additional openwork and applied decorations. Size: 15" W x 7.1" H (38.1 cm x 18 cm)

The Crocodilian order, comprised of crocodiles, smaller alligators, and yet smaller caimans (all treated similarly in Pre-Columbian mythology) was very meaningful to the ancients of the Americas. The crocodile being the oldest (approximately 55 million years old) was understood as a crocodilian earth monster and is oftentimes shown giving rise to what was known as the World Tree. Partial to a watery habitat, the crocodile is also a metaphor for fertility.

Provenance: private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection; ex-Heritage Auctions, Auction 6056, lot #56077, December 5th, 2010

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#170004

Repaired from several pieces with break lines and adhesive visible in some areas and restoration over other break lines. Restoration to areas of tail, head, legs, and periphery of lid. Losses to top of head, proper right front foot, and toes of left hind leg. Expected nicks and abrasions throughout. Otherwise, very nice.