Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, Atlantic Watershed, ca. 300 to 700 CE. A tripod, spider-legged terracotta vessel or chocolate pot, presenting an elegant, round-bottomed body supported by three long, pierced legs in the form of saurian/zoomorphic creatures with trophy heads in their clutches; the long legs would have contained rattles to create a percussive sound. Such disembodied heads are familiar sights in the visual culture of Costa Rica and neighboring Panama where the indigenous engaged in the practice of taking human heads as trophies during warfare usually over resources or territory. This style of jar is sometimes referred to as a “cocoa cup” as it may have been used to hold the traditional drink. Size: 7.75" W x 9.625" H (19.7 cm x 24.4 cm)

Provenance: private Massachusetts, USA collection

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#124836

Chip to rim. Expected surface wear with pigment loss as shown. Legs produce a faint rattle when shook.