Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 150 BCE to 250 CE. An attractive pottery olla featuring a traditional squash form with a broad body comprised of 8 protruding phytomorphic knobs likely intended to represent cactus paddles, all surmounted by a narrow neck and a flared spout. Remains of zigzag and dotted negative resist designs adorn the exterior walls of the base. This vessel is a classic case of art imitating life, as the indigenous of Mexico used certain species of cacti for food as well as to make beverages with hallucinogenic properties. Size: 10.2" Diameter x 7.9" H (25.9 cm x 20.1 cm)

Colima, located on Mexico's southwestern coast, was during this time part of the shaft tomb culture, along with neighbors to the north in Jalisco and Nayarit. In this culture, the dead were buried down shafts -- 3 to 20 meters deep -- that were dug vertically or near vertically through the volcanic tuff that makes up the geology of the region. The base of the shaft would open into one or more horizontal chambers with a low ceiling. These shafts were almost always dug beneath a dwelling, probably a family home, and seem to have been used as family mausoleums, housing the remains of many related individuals. Vessels like this one were placed in the tombs in order to hold offerings.

Provenance: private Charlotte, North Carolina, USA collection, acquired from Artemis Gallery, Louisville, Colorado, USA on May 7, 2009; ex-private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

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#181369

Professionally repaired with restoration over break lines; all done very well and difficult to notice. Expected surface wear with nicks and abrasions as shown. Otherwise, excellent presentation with rich earthen deposits on interior.