Colombian Shamanic Pendant Vase

Details

Description

Quimbaya culture, Colombia, Central Cauca Valley. Circa 500-1500 CE.

Vase in the form of a seated anthropomorphic figure, head thrown … Read more Quimbaya culture, Colombia, Central Cauca Valley. Circa 500-1500 CE.

Vase in the form of a seated anthropomorphic figure, head thrown back and mouth wide open, forming the opening of the vessel.
The figure is in a ritual pose evoking shamanic ecstasy.
In pre-Columbian art, this pose very often symbolizes a shaman in a state of trance or ritual ecstasy, communicating with the spirit world. The open mouth, facing upwards, may evoke incantation, sacred chanting, or the ingestion of ritual substances.

The presence of perforations indicates that the object was worn as a pendant, serving as an amulet or portable offering vessel.

Arms and legs: The stylized arms in relief, which extend upwards towards the upper body (the hands appear to be placed near the face or on the shoulders), and the legs, folded to each side in a seated, almost fetal posture, are now clearly visible.

Terracotta sculpture with a red patina, partially covered with a dark (black/brown) slip that has suffered the erosion of time and burial (small earthy concretions and surface wear are quite typical).

Dimensions: 9.5 x 5.5 x 7 cm See less