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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Toltec Art : Toltec Animal Effigy Vessel
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Toltec Animal Effigy Vessel - PF.3261
Origin: Soconusco, Guatemala
Circa: 10
th
Century AD
to 12
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
5.375" (13.7cm) high
x 5.375" (13.7cm) wide
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Style: Toltec
Medium: Plumbate
Location: UAE
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| Description |
This beautifully sculpted animal effigy vessel was
a very important type of commercial ware during
the Toltec civilization. It was produced at only
one place, on the Pacific slope of the Ancient
region known as Soconusco. Such sculptural
vessel from this region is called plumbate ware
and the process which it was made seems to
have been a secret. The plumbate ware was
highly valued and was traded to far regions such
as Panama.
Although the sculpted vessel shows features
created with incision lines on the beautiful dark-
brown surface, the vessel is known for its
exceptional hardness--it can be scarcely
scratched with steel. This effigy vessel is a
superb example of the Toltec culture since most
of its effigy vessels only depict gods, men, and
animals. Possibly a mythical creature, the
animal's head is intricately sculpted to show
details. Its legs and the tail are minimally
indicated and the upper neck area is unusually
hollowed out. The round body is elaborately
decorated with fluid lines and the neck of the
vessel is also enhanced with incised patterns.
This fascinating Plumbate vessel holds a fine
sculptural quality, in addition to the advanced,
secretive technique used to make such vessel.
Having been made exclusively in one region
during a brief period of time, this zoomorphic
plumbate head is a valuable rarity from
Mesoamerican history.
- (PF.3261)
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