Rare Mesoamerican Colima Pottery Armadillo Vessel

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima / Shaft Tomb Culture, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A rare and unusual pottery effigy brazier or censer in the form of an armadillo supporting the neck and disc shaped top. A narrow opening in the center of the flattened top extends through the neck and to an opening on the underside of the hollow armadillo - possibly for venting smoke or heat. The surface is stippled to resemble the scales and ridged bands on the central area of animal's carapace. Several species of armadillos are found throughout Mexico; their burrows and underground tunnels similar to shaft tombs that many Mesoamerican civilizations used, and the nocturnal habits of these animals were likely associated with the afterlife. Size: 4.5" L x 4" Diameter x 5" H (11.4 cm x 10.2 cm x 12.7 cm)

Provenance: private Ferndale, Michigan, USA collection; ex-private Detroit, Michigan, USA collection, acquired prior to 2004

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#182565
Condition Report: Repaired, break line encircling lower neck supporting the disc with some overpainting. Scattered manganese deposits across the surface. Some minor abrasions and chips, but overall great preservation to armadillo.