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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Jar
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Jar

Artist/Maker (Panama)
Dateca. 850-1000
Mediumpottery and slip paint
DimensionsOverall: 8 1/8 x 8 1/8 x 8 in. (20.6 x 20.6 x 20.3 cm)
ClassificationsContainers
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Terms
    Object number89.0117
    DescriptionThis human effigy vessel is exceptional in its form, texture, and design. The motif may be that of the Bear Mother, as signified by the feminine face and bearlike hands and feet. In the Gran Coclé culture there was a myth about a Bear Mother in which a human female was forced to become the wife of a male bear, and produced part-bear, part-human children. The human-like quality of the face on this vessel and the bear-like appendages may be a reference to these children. The upright stance, small ears, round eyes, markings in the midsection, and clawed hands and feet all connect this vessel to others that reference the mythic creature. The symbol dangling from a string down the front of the figure’s chest is probably a vulvar notch, indicating the bear’s female sex. Her eyes are formed through the mask created in the black band of slip painted at the top of the face. A similar technique is used to create a small set of lips, which signify the mouth beneath a projecting nose. A dark black band is also used to separate the body from the head of the figure, while various circular lines are employed to create the torso and limbs. Her eyes are formed through the negative space accented by the black banded mask.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Colima
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    ca. 450-650
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
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    Chancay
    1200-1450
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    Artist Unknown
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    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Yoruba people
    19th to early 20th century
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    Bassa people
    20th century
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    Nukuma people
    ca. 1965