Unknown Colima Artist (West Mexican, Colima state)
90.6
In ancient American societies, birds were powerful symbols that represented the realm of the sky.
It is possible that this vessel was used to hold offerings to deceased individuals. Vessels that held offerings to the dead often included earthenware sculptures of people, plants, and animals.
This vessel is modeled in the shape of a parrot, whose tail feathers are fashioned into a functional spout. The parrot has symbolic meaning in ancient American art. In West Mexico tradition, for example, parrots represent fire and the sun due to their brightly colored feathers.
tags: bird, symbolism
Check out this object in 3D
Parrot Effigy | NCMA Explore by NCMA Explore | North Carolina Museum of Art on Sketchfab
Gift in memory of Dr. Franz Ebstein and Paul R. Villard
circa 200 B.C.E.–300 C.E.
7 1/4 x 6 x 9 1/2 inches (18.4 x 15.2 x 24.1 centimeters)
