Terracotta Effigy Vessel

This beautiful effigy vessel is a fine example of a Costa Rican pottery type in which human beings are costumed as alligators, bats, or monkeys. Large enough to contain substances (possibly liquid) such vessels were utilized in ritual rites where mythological figured symbolized by alligators or monkeys were important. Depicted quite realistically, the artist of the vessel successfully captured the distinct characters of an alligator and a monkey in a simple but bold fashion. The bent knees and the large tail support the figure like a tripod, and one arm is raised to form a small handle-like structure. The torso is decorated with intricate incision patterns encased in a rectangular form. Moreover, the knees and arms are enhanced with small circles, which seem to radiate rays of energy. The vessel’s highly burnished, waxy brown-orange finish glows with earthy warmth. And as we look into the vessel, we can almost feel the energy on our skin and in our souls. Perhaps the figure represents a priest wearing a mask, performing a ritual. Symbolizing the superb intelligence of a monkey and the magical amphibian nature of an alligator, this beautiful sculpture must have been a special vessel containing a precious substance.