Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 200 BCE to 300 CE. A most unusual Colima redware vessel presenting a gadrooned squash form body supported by three shaman figures, each one wearing a horned headdress that denotes his shamanic status, facing outward and carrying the ribbed vessel on his back and with extended arms. While we have seen examples with parrot legs, shaman feet are incredibly rare. The sizeable vessel is enveloped in a rich red slip and covered with amazing manganese deposits! Size: 14.75" in diameter x 9" H (37.5 cm x 22.9 cm)

In addition to this vessel's impressive form, its iconography is very symbolic. Scholars note that whereas priests communicate with the deities through prayer, offerings, and rituals, shamans have the power to interact directly with the supernatural via trancelike states and spiritual transformation. Squashes symbolized fertility and abundance. Moreover, art imitates life in this ceramic vessel, as the indigenous of Mexico used hollowed gourds for storing and serving food and drink.

Provenance: ex Clars Auction Gallery; ex prominent Woodside, California, USA collection; ex Ron Messick Fine Arts, Santa Fe New Mexico USA, acquired before 2003

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#157374

Repaired from about 15 pieces, professional restoration over external breaks, internal left exposed. Restoration to top of one figure's head. Fabulous manganese blooms and rings throughout.