Two figural vases, Early Coclé, ca. 450 - 980 AD ·  Panama, Gran Coclé · ID: 3053014

Description

ceramic, polychrome painted,

The vessels may represent shamans. The shoulders, ribcage, and a hump on the back are rendered in such an exaggerated manner—especially on the larger vessel—that they almost appear deformed, giving the vessel a highly unusual and distinctive shape.

Gran Coclé is an archaeological culture area in pre-Columbian Central America. The area largely coincides with the modern-day Panamanian province of Coclé, and consisted of a number of identifiable native cultures. Archaeologists have loosely designated these cultures by pottery style.

The most ancient culture is the La Mula period from 150 BC to 300 AD. It was followed by the Tonosi period, from 300 to 550 AD, and by the Cubita period, from 550 to 700 AD. A unified Native American culture appears to have flourished in this area from approximately 1200 BC until the 16th century.

Notices

This object is subject to the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Protection Act. Export documents are required for export (subjected to a fee).