Pre-Columbian, southern Mexico, Oaxaca Valley, Mitla area, Zapotec, ca. 750 to 1521 CE. A delightful pottery jar resembling the shape of a shoe or bird, sometimes known as a patojo or shoe-pot. The asymmetrical cooking vessel features a flared mouth at one end and a bulbous body sitting upon a flattened base. A pair of petite loop handles sit just below the jar's neck and a pair of incised lugs are featured at the pointed end or the "toe" of the shoe. Once used for heating foods such as beans, the pot would be places between hearthstones over hot coals - hence the fire-darkening seen in this example - while the contents were stirred via the open end. Size: 7" L x 4.5" W x 4" H (17.8 cm x 11.4 cm x 10.2 cm)

Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000

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#160172

Chipping to rim and exterior walls, as well as some nicks and abrasions commensurate with age. Areas of fire-darkening as shown. Otherwise, intact and in very good condition. Light earthen deposits in areas. Inscribed "Mitla Ruins Mexico" on underside of base.