Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Tripod Vessel
(Ancient Americas )
This small, bulbous vessel is supported by three legs which resemble the seahorses found along the coasts of Central America. The seahorses emerge from the legs of the vessel, the frills of their backs and distinct shape of their faces making them easily recognizable as they curl into the center. Their eyes are deeply impressed, giving them the double rimmed trait common throughout animal depictions in pre-Columbian art. The seahorses perch on hollow, bulb-shaped legs with small ovoid windows cut into the sides of the front two legs. Through these slits, a small ball can be seen resting in the shaft. The exterior has a dark, gritty, and worn appearance, while the inside of the vessel is burnished and shines a rich brown.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
John G. Bourne [date and mode of acquisition unknown].
Geographies
Costa Rica (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 7 1/8 x W: 7 3/16 x D: 6 1/4 in. (18.1 x 18.2 x 15.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of John G. Bourne, 2014
Location in Museum
Charles Street: Second Floor: Latin American Art / Arte Latinoamericano
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.
2009.20.210