Fabulous Nicoya Polychrome Vessel / Incensario - Jaguar

Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Nicoya culture, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. A charming jaguar rattle vessel of a generally corseted form, with a scalloped foot and rim, a deep bowl, and perforations on the base to serve as an incensario. A jaguar head projects from the neck of the vessel with two leg-like projections and a tail between projecting from the opposite side. Black and red pigment form dramatic patterns on the body, face, legs, and rim, including dotted diamond motifs adorning the rim, striated frets upon the scalloped rim and foot, a wide register of basket weave motifs around the upper body, and horizontal bands below. Size: 7.25" W x 4.55" H (18.4 cm x 11.6 cm)

The wild feline's face - presenting large bulging eyes, an upturned snout, perky ears, an open mouth, and a spotted coat - is surprisingly more endearing than intimidating. Jaguar imagery generally symbolized power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world; hence, warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this king of beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World. This said, we know from other examples depicting jaguars on leashes, that jaguars were sometimes kept as pets. Perhaps this rather sweet looking jaguar was a favorite pet or a baby jaguar.

Provenance: private Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA collection, acquired in 2018; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-E. Vaught collection, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

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#150777 Dimensions: Condition Report: Intact, with beautiful deposits on surface and very nice remaining pigment. Rattles remain in the jaguar head.