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

Ceremonial Table

Artist/Maker (Panama)
Dateca. 800-1550
Mediumvolcanic stone
DimensionsOverall: 4 7/8 x 10 7/8 x 6 7/8 in. (12.4 x 27.6 x 17.5 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of Greta Gurr
Terms
    Object number90.0126.85
    DescriptionThis rather small size of this unusual table made of volcanic stone suggests it was probably used for ceremonial practices. On the top and either side of the table are two zoomorphic figures, mixtures between crocodile and feline forms. The combination of two animals is a characteristic motif in ancient Panamanian cultures, and overall an important motif in indigenous mythology. The bottom of the table is decorated with snakes wrapped around a tree. In Panamá today, small bowls and tablets are used for healing or religious rituals, usually associated with herbs, leaves, and cacao, and this table may once have served a similar purpose.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Gran Chiriquí
    ca. 800-1200
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    ca. 525-500 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    C Painter
    ca. 570-565 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    1802-1640 BCE
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    Hung Liu
    1995
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    Andrew John Henry Way
    1870-1888
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    Thomas Hart Benton
    1936
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    Therman Statom
    2002
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    1900