**Originally Listed At $1800**

Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona, ca.1000 to 1550 CE. A hand-built earthenware effigy vessel of a conjoined type with a pair of figures linking arms! A hollow piece behind the applied the arms connects the vessels together. These figural pots were funerary vessels that served as urns or contained goods that were buried with the deceased - is it possible this represents a married couple, the joins a symbol of equality or loyalty. Note the details of their necklaces, the protruding bird shaped pectoral pendant was a symbol of prestiege, and the bulge in the side of the mouth to indicate coca chewing. Size: 13.5" L x 6.5" W x 9" H (34.3 cm x 16.5 cm x 22.9 cm)

It is not clear if the figures depicted on pottery are are meant to be based on real individuals or supernatural ancestors; The Tairona lived in circular house platforms with areas of the houses divided for labor by gender. Ceramic manufacture seems to have been the realm of the women in the household, and small burnishing stones used for smoothing the surface of pottery prior to firing have been found in their areas. Effigy jars like this one were likley made to be placed into tombs, along with large urns that contained the deceased's remains; perhaps this interesting vessel held offerings for the afterlife. The Tairona had a intricate funeral system which required the use of many types of vessels!

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Provenance: Private J. Hart Collection, Houston, Texas, USA, acquired mid-1970's

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#174533

Professionally repaired and restored from many pieces with infill and new material added to gaps and missing pieces. Repairs are well down and nearly indiscernable. Earthen and mineral deposits inside both vessels. Great preservation to details.