Bowl with Lizards
The simple shape of this wide-mouthed jar is elaborated by the presence of three-dimensional bodies of abstract lizards or alligators presented as an identical repeated form around the vessel body. The segmented reptilian creatures were added to the finished jar after its upper surface received an allover patterning of diagonal grooves. The three lizards are formed by individual pieces of clay appliquéd to the vessel, creating bodies that crawl up the wall and tails that curve around and terminate on the underside of the flared lip. The jar is slipped on the lower portion of the exterior, on the lip, and in the interior. Although the reptilian forms are abstract, there is a degree of reality, as they appear to rest in stillness like those that soak up the midday sun.
Artwork Details
- Title: Bowl with Lizards
- Date: 1st–5th century
- Geography: Costa Rica
- Culture: Atlantic Watershed
- Medium: Ceramic
- Dimensions: H. 5 1/4 × Diam. 5 3/4 in. (13.3 × 14.6 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics-Containers
- Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John P. Hollihan III, 1993
- Object Number: 1993.79.3
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
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Guanacaste-Nicoya
13th–16th century
Diquís
6th–15th century
Costa Rica
5th–16th century
Atlantic Watershed
1st–7th century
Atlantic Watershed
5th–6th century
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