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

Medicine Jar

Artist/Maker (Costa Rica)
Dateca. 1000-1550
Mediumpottery and slip paint
DimensionsOverall: 3 5/8 x 2 7/8 x 2 3/4 in. (9.2 x 7.3 x 7 cm)
ClassificationsContainers
Credit LineGift of the Estate of Ann M. Grimshawe
Terms
    Object number2001.10.25
    DescriptionBy the later periods, trade between regions was common and included such perishable items as woodwork, feathers, and hallucinogenic drugs used in shamanic practices. This medicine bowl likely belonged to a chief or shaman and held such a substance. Quite small, it is decorated in red slip, with inscribing and appliqué jaguar figures. The symbolism of the jaguar motif – commonly used to represent power and strength – indicates that this vessel probably held some sort of strong, powerful substance used for healing or ritual.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Standing Figure
    Bamileke people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Throne
    Central Highlands/Atlantic Watershed
    ca. 1000-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lidded Pot
    Batak people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mushroom Stone
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 300 BCE-200 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Guardian Lion
    Fon people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Head Fragment
    Tumaco-La Tolita
    300 BCE-200 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Head Fragment
    Tumaco-La Tolita
    300 BCE-200 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Head Fragment
    Tumaco-La Tolita
    300 BCE-200 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Head Fragment
    Tumaco-La Tolita
    300 BCE-200 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Necklace
    Artist Unknown
    ca. 300-800
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Medicine Container
    Artist Unknown
    12th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Incense Burner
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
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