Pre-Columbian, Oaxaca, Mexico, Zapotec culture, Monte Alban, ca. 100 BCE to 200 CE. A detailed example of one of the most famous forms of Monte Alban pottery, a figural vessel made from crema paste ceramics. These elaborately decorated items were produced as prestige items and local lords in the Monte Alban area received them via gift-giving networks that reinforced their power and prestige. This particular vessel is in the form of a seated figure, the goddess 8Z. Atop the head is a long, flaring, conical spout. The figure is seated, with crossed legs, muscular arms, and hands resting against the knees. The mask gives the figure a zoomorphic snout. He wears two enormous spooled earrings in addition to his headdress. Size: 3.3" W x 7.15" H (8.4 cm x 18.2 cm); 8.55" H (21.7 cm) on included custom stand. Size: 3.3" W x 7.15" H (8.4 cm x 18.2 cm); 8.55" H (21.7 cm) on included custom stand.

The Zapotec, like many pre-Columbian civilizations, placed clay effigies into burials, often in the form of urns or vessels. Who are the figures depicted on vessels like this one, and what was their purpose? They may represent the deities themselves or magical spirits, but more likely, they seem to represent ancestors or shamans impersonating gods.

Provenance: ex-private San Francisco, USA collection

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#133145

Spout has been repaired; otherwise intact. Nice light encrusted deposits and root marks. Label on the base of the stand is likely incorrect, but cannot be removed without damaging the stand.