Colima Janiform Incensario - PF.2481,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 100 BC to 250 AD,Dimensions: 17.75" (45.1cm) high x 7.25" (18.4cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style:  More »

Colima Janiform Incensario - PF.2481,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 100 BC to 250 AD,Dimensions: 17.75" (45.1cm) high x 7.25" (18.4cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. This dramatic work of art is an extraordinary example of a highly distinctive type of Colima effigy vessel known as a canasta basket by the ancient people of Western Mexico who created it. The receptacle portion of the vessel, which possibly functioned as an incensario, is formed by the backs of the heads of opposite facing nude male figures whose abbreviated bodies and legs serve as a tetra pod support for the vessel. These imposing figures, possibly representing the ancient rain God Tlaloc, are made even more startling by the accompaniment of twin two headed snakes who project from the upper portion of one of the deities heads. The snake bodies then proceed to intertwine above the God’s head and end with their opposing serpentine heads resting against the vessels large basket handle. With their exaggerated standing positions, we can almost imagine these dual images of the God Tlaloc positioned over Tlalocan, the paradise of the rain god. Here is the heaven to which those who have drowned or otherwise died by water are delivered a paradise where human spirits spend an idyllic afterlife among flowers, butterflies, and other heavenly delights. Clearly, the unearthly qualities of Tlaloc translate most powerfully in this vessel, revealing the spiritual beliefs of a ancient culture and their ability to translate those beliefs into timeless works of art.   « Less

Colima Incensario in the Form of a Turtle - DA.393,Origin: Colima- Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 5.5" (14.0cm) high x 7.5" (19.1cm) wide,Collection:  More »

Colima Incensario in the Form of a Turtle - DA.393,Origin: Colima- Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 5.5" (14.0cm) high x 7.5" (19.1cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima.   « Less

Colima Reclinatorio - PF.0433,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 9" (22.9cm) high x 7" (17.8cm) wide,Catalogue: V2,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style:  More »

Colima Reclinatorio - PF.0433,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 9" (22.9cm) high x 7" (17.8cm) wide,Catalogue: V2,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. Odd looking objects such as this were used by persons of rank to support their backs when seated. In form it represnts a stylized bird with human legs. This is perhaps a metaphor for the dreams one has while resting, which take flight in a similarly surreal fashion.   « Less

Colima Reclinatorio - PF.2060,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 10.125" (25.7cm) high x 9.25" (23.5cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style:  More »

Colima Reclinatorio - PF.2060,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 10.125" (25.7cm) high x 9.25" (23.5cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. In Ancient Mexico, reclinatorios were used as back supports for persons of rank and distinction. Their iconography remains mysterious; a flat, supportive plane on one side, on the other they are said to resemble dogs, parrots, eagles or even humans. Like a surrealistic dream, this splendid reclinatorio suggests a dog howling at the moon as well as a powerful bird. Intended as a grave offering, it may have supported a Colima aristocrat through eternity. Seductive as a myth, it reminds us that when we dream, the world takes on a whole new form and meaning.   « Less

Colima Terracotta Reclinatorio - PF.2420,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 100 BC to 250 AD,Dimensions: 7.5" (19.1cm) high x 6.5" (16.5cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style:  More »

Colima Terracotta Reclinatorio - PF.2420,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 100 BC to 250 AD,Dimensions: 7.5" (19.1cm) high x 6.5" (16.5cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. The state of Colima, located in the pacific coast region of West Mexico, supported a thriving ancient culture, which, between about 300 B.C. and 600 A.D., produced a remarkable variety of ceramic art. The terracotta sculptures created in Colima are full of timeless energy and spirit. Intended for burial with the dead, these ancient masterpieces accompanied the deceased into the netherworld, performing a number of important functions. Here, a clay backrest, angled at an inclined position is artistically rendered as a combination of animals. Front legs and shoulders like those of a dog support the upright position of the backrest, while an avian tail and small wings comprise the back portion of the sculpture. A spout protrudes from the canine "head" of the backrest and the image of a fish extends out to the side. Colima artists were highly adept at portraying the natural world around them and nowhere are this rendering more spirited and powerful than in this sculpted backrest. With its shiny surface burnished rich reddish brown, this animated work of art beckons us to touch, as we discover the mysteries of its enigmatic shape and timeless spirit.   « Less

Colima Terracotta Reclinatorio - PF.2421,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 100 BC to 250 AD,Dimensions: 8.75" (22.2cm) high x 7.75" (19.7cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style:  More »

Colima Terracotta Reclinatorio - PF.2421,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 100 BC to 250 AD,Dimensions: 8.75" (22.2cm) high x 7.75" (19.7cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta.   « Less

Colima Reclinatorio - PF.2484,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 100 BC to 250 AD,Dimensions: 6.875" (17.5cm) high x 6.125" (15.6cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style:  More »

Colima Reclinatorio - PF.2484,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 100 BC to 250 AD,Dimensions: 6.875" (17.5cm) high x 6.125" (15.6cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. The state of Colima, located in the pacific coast region of West Mexico, supported a thriving ancient culture, which between about 300 B.C. and 600 A.D. produced a remarkable variety of ceramic art. Although these people did not develop monumental, ceremonial architecture comparable to the high civilizations in Mexico, the ancient inhabitants of Colima did produce a spectacular array of art that is noted for its expert rendering, astounding diversity and imaginative portrayals. Nowhere is the stunning imagination of the Colima artist better represented than in this terracotta back rest. Originally intended for burial with the dead, serving as an accompaniment to the deceased on his or her long journey to the afterlife, this reclinatorio is rendered by the Colima artist as a fascinating combination of animals. If we let our imagination loose, we see that the front legs and shoulders of a dog support the upright portion of the back rest, while the large tail fin of a fish comprises the back tripod leg. Small fins protruding from the sides of the body further accentuate the aquatic attributes of this unique sculpture when viewed from behind. Upon further examination of the backside of the reclinatorio our imagination reveals the head of a bird atop the fish’s body, complete with an incised eye. Turn the backrest to the side and we see that the birds beak becomes the head of a fish. A truly charming and eclectic array of animal images, this reclinatorio delights our senses while at the same time challenges our inventive imagination.   « Less

Colima Zoomorphic Reclinatorio - PF.4525,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 8.5" (21.6cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium:  More »

Colima Zoomorphic Reclinatorio - PF.4525,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 8.5" (21.6cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. The Ancient Mexican artists, particularly in Colima, were masters in creating objects of brilliant simplicity. They delighted in representing animals and humans in a dazzling variety of forms, along with an amazing selection of pots ranging from elaborate effigy vessels to masterpieces of abstract art. This lovely vessel falls into the latter category, and immediately delights our senses with its whimsical charm and rich burnished red surface. Designed to rest on its tail, supported by two solid, slightly bent legs, this fine creature appears to be howling or calling through its beak or snout. It is a bird with some reptilian qualities, full of character, accomplished with remarkable minimalist refinement. The artist obviously knew exactly what effect he wanted to create; for there is more life revealed in the absence of detail than if it contained realistic features. Perhaps it was meant to hold a certain type of liquor, or even a healer's potion related to its shape. Whatever its original purpose, this vessel is a work of art, due to its elegant simplicity and its personality which still gives joy and wonderment after hundreds of years.   « Less

Colima Terracotta Reclinatorio - DC.8026,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 7.5" (19.1cm) high x 7" (17.8cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian Art,Style:  More »

Colima Terracotta Reclinatorio - DC.8026,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 7.5" (19.1cm) high x 7" (17.8cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian Art,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta.   « Less

Colima Reclinatorio Vessel - DA.682,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,,Dimensions: 8" (20.3cm) high x 8" (20.3cm) wide x 5.5" (14.0cm) depth,Collection:  More »

Colima Reclinatorio Vessel - DA.682,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,,Dimensions: 8" (20.3cm) high x 8" (20.3cm) wide x 5.5" (14.0cm) depth,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta,Condition: Very The Pre-Columbian Colima culture (ca. 300 B.C.E.–300 C.E.) of western Mexico is named for the modern state of Colima, and its sculptors are especially known for their talent in clay sculpture. The people of ancient Colima had a mortuary cult based on the construction of tombs with shaft entrances leading to underground burial chambers, and this was the predominant tomb type in western Mesoamerica. Most graves were looted by grave-robbers, and few have been scientifically excavated. Colima had a long, rich tradition of handmade terracotta funerary sculpture, which was buried with the deceased in the tombs. Fine.   « Less