Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Nayarit, Ixtlan Del Rio type, ca. 300 BCE to 600 CE. A pottery vessel in the form of a double-headed or conjoined pair of recumbent figures forming a boat shaped body and openings on the top of both heads. The patterned surface might represent a colorful textile blanket wrapped about their bodies. An interpretation of their posture is a funerary bundle, their eyes half closed to indicate they are deceased, and the double heads were perhaps symbolic of dualism which was often portrayed in Mesoamerican cultures. Pottery figural vessels like this one are the only remains that we have today of a sophisticated and unique culture in West Mexico. Their tombs were their lasting works of art: skeletons arrayed radially with their feet positioned inward, and pottery vessels with offerings - like this one - placed alongside. Size: 10" L x 5" W x 7.5" H (25.4 cm x 12.7 cm x 19 cm)

For a similar example of this form, please see the Museo Amparo website, registration number: 52 22 MA FA 57PJ 851.

Provenance: ex-Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired prior to 2000

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#175219

Minor chips to ears and high pointed areas, otherwise intact and excellent. Some fading and losses to painted pigments.