Bowl with Lizards

Unknown

1st–5th century · Ceramic · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

The simple shape of this wide-mouthed jar is elaborated by the presence of three-dimensional bodies of abstract lizards or alligators presented as an identical repeated form around the vessel body. The segmented reptilian creatures were added to the finished jar after its upper surface received an allover patterning of diagonal grooves. The three lizards are formed by individual pieces of clay appliquéd to the vessel, creating bodies that crawl up the wall and tails that curve around and terminate on the underside of the flared lip. The jar is slipped on the lower portion of the exterior, on the lip, and in the interior. Although the reptilian forms are abstract, there is a degree of reality, as they appear to rest in stillness like those that soak up the midday sun.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1st–5th century

Medium

Ceramic

Culture

Atlantic Watershed

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John P. Hollihan III, 1993