Pre-Columbian, Central America, Panama, Grand Cocle, ca. 500 to 900 CE. We have certainly handled many a trophy head vessel; however, examples created by the ancients of Panama are not very common. This vessel presents a dramatic visage on the front side of the bulbous body with beady eyes covered by a theatrical mask, nose and ears also in relief, as well as a toothy grimace flanked by stylized facial hair or tattoos. Surrounding this face is a striated band in red, black, and beige hues. Above is another band, this one featuring repeated crescent moon forms in black on cream. Occupying the space between these are striated panels. A tall cylindrical neck rises above to a flared, flat rim, and a single spout joins it to the shoulder. All rests on an integral ring base. Size: 6.25" W at widest x 7" H (15.9 cm x 17.8 cm)

Traditionally "headhunting" has been interpreted as a somewhat incidental rather than central warfare practice; however, recent scholarship has suggested that headhunting added a significant magical and supernatural dimension to warfare. Each severed head was imbued with specific meaning and the act of taking the head was "consecrated and commemorated in some form" according to anthropologist and professor John W. Hoopes ("Sorcery and the Taking of Heads in Ancient Costa Rica" 2007). One look at this trophy head confirms Professor Hoopes theory!

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, ex J. Berryman Collection, Florida, USA

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#132189

Tiny nicks to rim. Normal surface wear with minute slip losses, scuffs, and abraded areas as shown. Nice craquelure to areas of the surface. Possible repaired probe hole at lower end of back wall. A small pottery fragment lies inside the vessel, making a rattling sound when the vessel is shook.