Fine Guanacaste- Nicoya effigy vessel with infant, Pataky polychrome style, Late Perid VI, ca. A.D. 1200-1400

the densely decorated composite masked figure of imposing form, and supporting an infant animal on the back with upraised head and tightly gripping limbs, the masked face with circular avian eyes, small nose and toothy open mouth with tongue projecting, wearing a massive bib with a stylized figure with upraised arms, plumed elements and serpents heads in the field, the looped arms and legs covered with the silhouette- jaguar motif, the rim with the plumed serpent. 

Acquired over 40 years ago

Excellent, appears intact, great coloring, wonderful modeling . Minor chips to some extremities. Not overcleaned.
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The Pataky and Papagayo styles of Greater Nicoya area are distinct for the brilliant white-slipped backgrounds and contrasting colors. This unusual variety of effigy vessel represents a figure of combined feline, avian and human form, shown wearing a gold mask as depicted by the orange pigment.The demise of important northern power centers in the Teotihuacan and Maya regions by the 9th C.  contributed to the spread of Mesoamerican mythology and motifs. The jaguar is associated with the Mexican warrior god Tezcatlipoca, who devours the sun to bring the night. The small jaguars are considered the twinkling stars.

For another masked figure, see Katz (1985: cat. no. 85); see also von Winning (1968: figs. 503 and 508).