Work of Art

Parrot Effigy Vessel

Created

circa 200 B.C.E.–300 C.E.

Artist

Unknown Colima Artist (West Mexican, Colima state)

Dimensions

7 1/4 x 6 x 9 1/2 inches (18.4 x 15.2 x 24.1 centimeters)

Medium

Ceramic

Credit

Gift in memory of Dr. Franz Ebstein and Paul R. Villard

Object Number

90.6

Culture

Classification

Department

Key Ideas

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.

Learn More

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

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Additional Resources

Resources for Teachers

Compare our Parrot Effigy to this Bird Effigy Vessel from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Discover how climate change is affecting the birds of modern-day Colima.

Resources for Students

Learn more about the 22 species of parrots from Mexico and the risks they face from the illegal parrot trade.
Find out about the Colima state in western Mexico.
Learn more about parrots from an educator at the Greensboro Science center and NCMA Curator Ángel González López