Bowl

ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-bowls

Culture Coclé

Date1000-1500 CE

Made AtCoclé Province, Panama, Central America, North America

MediumCeramic and paint

DimensionsOverall: 3 3/4 x 7 1/2 in. (9.5 x 19.1 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. James Greaves

Object number92.2.1

DescriptionCeramic pedestaled plate from the Cocle culture of Panama. Design is a zoomorphic figure with claw hands and claw feet. Black strip around rim. Beige background, light purple of gray. Pedestal has four slits in triangular sides - circular stripes. Under plate is design of squares and swirls. The concentric eyes and menacing poise are artistic elements indicating the "shaman-in-combat" theme. The fact that the shaman's arms are in the form of a bird wings is artistic convention used to indicate shamanic "soul-flight".

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