Antique Colombian Shamanic Vase

Details

Description

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

Jar-shaped vase in the form of a seated anthropomorphic figure, the … Read more Quimbaya culture, Colombia, Central Cauca Valley. Circa 500-1500 AD.

Jar-shaped vase in the form of a seated anthropomorphic figure, the top of its head wide open, creating the opening of the vessel.

The figure is depicted seated. Its arms are modeled in low relief, folded forward, with the hands gently clasped on its abdomen (a classic gesture of devotion or contemplation).
On its stomach and legs, there is a superb geometric decoration painted in black on a reddish-orange background. This lozenge motif containing cross shapes or stylized patterns (sometimes associated with the representation of a geometric crocodile or frog) is typical of the decorative style of this region.

The presence of perforations in the ears indicates that the object was worn as a pendant, serving as an amulet or portable offering container.
These small pottery vessels were often placed in shaft tombs (huacas) as offerings to accompany the deceased into the afterlife.
Its small size suggests that it may have been used to store precious substances, such as body paint pigments, perfumed oils, or lime (used to release active ingredients when chewing coca leaves during shamanic ceremonies).

Dimensions: 9.5 x 8 x 7.5 cm

Provenance: - Private collection, Southern France
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