**Originally Listed At $2500**

Native American, Southern United States, New Madrid County Missouri, Campbell Site, Mississippian, Bells Plains type, ca. 1220 to 1520 CE. A charming and rare pottery effigy vessel in the form of a bear with an opening on the back. The bear stands on four delineated legs, and a nubbin tail protrudes from the rump. The head features a protruding snout, incised mouth, rounded eyes, and pointed ears. This rotund bear may have held offerings or ritualistic items. Scholars posit that in Mississippian culture bears were likely seen as protectors and symbolized courage, strength, good omens, and leadership. Size: 5.25" L x 2.5" W x 3.25" H (13.3 cm x 6.4 cm x 8.3 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.

#161640

Two TL holes on back foot and front leg. Loss and chip to tail. Chips around rim. Age commensurate surface abrasions. Earthen encrustations on the interior and nice burnishing marks!