Pre-Columbian, Northwest Mexico, Chihuahua, Casas Grandes, Ramos, ca. 1250 to 1450 CE. A double Janus-faced effigy vessel, this polychrome ceramic jar presents four identical visages on the slightly rounded neck, modeled with noses, eyes, and mouths in relief and painted with bold features - especially those dramatic eyes, chin hairs, and step motifs on the cheeks - all framed by decorative helmet/straps. The rim is painted with a red band surrounded by narrow black striations, indicative of the Ramos style in which red designs are outlined in black. The lower section of the vase is a lovely bulbous, round-bottomed form, skillfully painted with abstract geometric and curvilinear motifs in black and red on a beige ground. Size: 5.5" W x 5.5" H (14 cm x 14 cm)

The Janus-faced vessel derives from the concept of a dual or literally 'two-faced' personality. The word Janus comes to us from the Roman god, Janus, the god of doorways and gateways who came to represent both the future and the past; he was also the god of January.

The Casas Grandes (or Chihuahua) culture has always been the best known of the prehistoric cultures of northwest Mexico. International awareness of the culture first derived from its polychrome pottery and from the massive ruins of the culture's principal center, Casas Grandes—now better known as Paquime. Located in the present Mexican state of Chihuahua, Casas Grandes was an intelligently planned urban center that grew wealthy thanks to commodities such as copper, shells, turquoise, and tropical bird feathers.

Provenance: ex-Kurquhill's Gallery, El Paso, Texas, USA; ex-private El Paso, Texas, USA collection, acquired early to mid 1970s

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#127632

Three large pieces reattached to the neck and chips to the rim. Otherwise normal surface wear, but imagery is quite vivid.