Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, ca. 800 to 1000 CE. A large bichrome vessel of a complex design, the exterior walls of the bowl incised with a repeated diamond motif - reminiscent of snake skin - and further adorned with more than thirty applied visages, perhaps the faces of serpents given the snake skin motif below. Supporting this superstructure are three looped feet, each with an abstract maskette modeled where the feet meet the bowl. A very unusual example, replete with skillful technique, fine artistry, and meaningful iconography. Size: 10.5" in diameter x 7.875" H (26.7 cm x 20 cm)

The serpent is a fascinating element of Pre-Columbian iconography as the snake was regarded to be a beneficial source of nourishment and at the same time quite deadly with its poisonous venom. Also important to the indigenous was the fact that snakes shed their skin annually thus rejuvenating themselves and serving as symbols of renewal and good health.

Provenance: collection of the late Alfred E. Stendahl, Stendahl Gallery, Los Angeles, California, USA

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#126341

Repaired from eight to ten pieces with losses to break lines as shown. Chips to maskettes on legs and expected surface wear commensurate with age.