Tripod Bowl
Artist/Maker
Teotihuacán
(Central Highlands, Mexico)
Dateca. 350-550
Mediumpottery and slip paint
DimensionsOverall: 10 1/8 x 12 1/8 x 12 1/2 in. (25.7 x 30.8 x 31.8 cm)
ClassificationsContainers
Credit LineGift of Roselillian Stoetzer
Terms
Object number2005.47.6
DescriptionElaborate tripod vessels are a trademark of Teotihuacan. This highly expressive tripod bowl is representative of the great skill Teotihuacan craft specialist developed in the first urban metropolis of ancient Mesoamerica. It has three images of a Monkey God with elaborate three-dimensional faces applied to the body of the bowl. The body of the monkey is inscribed on the sides, appearing as if he is diving down to earth. This pose was commonly used to depict the way in which certain supernatural entities bestowed blessings, and it may have been modeled originally after the flight patterns of pollinating insects. The three slab feet are hollow and inscribed with similar images. Luxurious ceramic vessels from Teotihuacan have been found as offering in burials.On View
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