Native American, Southeast or Midwest, Mississippian, "Bell Plain" type, ca. 920 to 1320 CE. A rare and fabulous hand-built pottery bowl of "Bell Plain" style enveloped in a lovely hue of pale taupe. This ancient vessel boasts an elegant form consisting of a circular base and thick, straight walls that spread outwards to a broad, annular rim over a deep basin. Rendered in fine detail, the rim is decorated with a series of vertical striations, known as the tallied rim technique, while a pair of trapezoidal handles flanks the mouth of the vessel, showcasing spiked edges, diagonal lines forming points, and vertical drill holes for suspension. Size: 12.25" in diameter x 4" H (31.1 cm x 10.2 cm)

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report is available to the buyer upon request.

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

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#161669

Collection label on base. Repaired from three to four pieces with restoration over break lines and to a few minor areas along rim. Expected nicks/chips and light abrasions commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice earthen deposits in recessed areas. TL drill holes beneath base and under handle.