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

Tripod Jar

Dateca. 400-700
Mediumpottery and slip paint
DimensionsOverall: 11 3/8 x 10 1/2 x 8 1/2 in. (28.9 x 26.7 x 21.6 cm)
ClassificationsContainers
Credit LineGift of The Institute of Maya Studies
Terms
    Object number80.0040
    DescriptionThought to be an incense or offertory burner, this delicate tripod jar is a strong example of the Africa style. The style is characterized by modeled decorations perched above the legs, which taper to a fine point and are hollow rattles. The appliqués on this jar are vultures and trophy heads, and the vultures are likely representative of Sibo, the King Vulture, who was an important mythological figure associated with creation and fertility. The trophy heads represent offerings to Sibo and cutting off the heads of prisoners as fertility offerings was a common ritual practice. Each of the bird decorations is slightly different, giving the vessel a fascinating narrative appearance.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Central Highlands/Atlantic Watershed
    ca. 1000-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ewe people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Giriama people
    late 19th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Giriama people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Giriama people
    late 19th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Central Highlands/Atlantic Watershed
    ca. 500-1000
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Central Highlands/Atlantic Watershed
    ca. 1000-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Central Highlands/Atlantic Watershed
    ca. 1000-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Tumaco-La Tolita
    300 BCE-200 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Gran Coclé
    ca. 900-1000
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nayarit
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Central Highlands/Atlantic Watershed
    ca. 1000-1550