Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Pedestal Bowl with Snakeskin Pattern
(Ancient Americas )
Geometric imagery often reference patterns seen in the natural world. The bowl’s design suggests the distinctive patterning of the boa constrictor, a powerful predator in the ancient Americas. The colors also have symbolic value: for many Panamanian cultures, red represents the earth and vitality, and black the forces of chaos. Here, the application of the two colors is well balanced, creating a harmonious visual effect that may refer to cosmic notions of equilibrium.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.
Acquired by Ron Messick, Santa Fe; given to John G. Bourne, Sante Fe, 2000; given to John G. Bourne Foundation, 2004 [1]; given to Walters Art Museum, 2013.
[1] according to Bourne Foundation accounts
Geographies
Panama (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 10 1/2 x Diam: 7 5/8 in. (26.67 x 19.3 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of John G. Bourne Foundation, 2013
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
2009.20.204