Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 900 to 500 BCE. A hand-built grayware pottery vessel in the shape of a full-faced duck. Incised striations on either side of the body represent the feathers on each wing while puffy eyes, impressed pupils, an attenuated beak, and gently protruding ears form the avian visage. The apple-shaped body rests upon a pair of petite feet and a thick tail for support. Birds in general were views as sacred messengers due to their ability to fly, but ducks were special because they could both dive deep under water and fly long distances through the air. Ducks were viewed as sacred animals of the watery realm and the sky world, and later cultures would associate ducks with wind deities such as Ehecatl, often portrayed with a duckbill face. Size: 5" W x 5.625" H (12.7 cm x 14.3 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#174858

Repair and possible restoration to areas of head and body, with resurfacing and overpainting along new material and break lines. Abrasions and areas of fire-darkening, with light earthen deposits. Nice preservation to avian facial details.