Description Pre-Columbian, northern Chile or Argentina, Mapuche people, ca. 1500 CE. An elegant, finely carved stone vessel of a cylindrical form with four snakes slithering up the exterior walls, their serpentine bodies delineated in relief with each of the four heads adorning the rim - their incised eyes perhaps peering over the rim to see what delectable delight is inside the jar. In the Pre-Columbian world, snakes were understood as both a beneficial source of nourishment as well as threatening due to their poisonous venom. Also important to the indigenous was the fact that snakes shed their skin annually, thus rejuvenating themselves and serving as symbols of renewal and good health. A brilliant example from the Mapuche culture, replete with highly symbolic iconography and the finest artistry. Size: 6.625" Win diameter x 7.8" H (16.8 cm x 19.8 cm)
Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000
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#156316
Condition Report Minor abrasions and nicks to base, body, rim, and snakes, with light encrustations, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits and great surface smoothness throughout.