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Bird effigy vessel
Olmec
Middle Formative period
900–600 BC
Object Place: Mexico, Las Bocas (Puebla) area (?), Central Highlands
Medium/Technique
Earthenware: black slip paint and post-fire red pigment
Dimensions
14.5 x 9.7 x 14.4 cm (5 11/16 x 3 13/16 x 5 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
William Francis Warden Fund
Accession Number1972.422
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsCeramics – Pottery – Earthenware
DescriptionEffigy vessel modeled in the shape of a bird with hooked short beak, large eye area, and ruffled feather-like area at the back of the head. The beak and large eye area recall those of the laughing falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans), although the tuff recalls that of hawks and the harpy eagle. The short tail and wings and overly large head suggest the depiction of a young bird. Its chest is embellished with incised curvilinear motifs that may refer to the "composite zoomorph", one of three fundamental themes in Olmec art. Red pigment adheres to sections of these motifs as well as inside the bird's open mouth.
ProvenanceSaid to have belonged to Josué Sáenz, Mexico City [see note]. 1972, sold by the Edward H. Merrin Gallery, New York, to the MFA. (Accession Date: July 7, 1972)
NOTE: According to curatorial notes.
NOTE: According to curatorial notes.