Pedestal Plate

Unknown

5th–8th century · Ceramic · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

The images on this pedestal plate depict mythical avian or saurian zoomorphs with feathered or scaled backs and chests, and clawed or multi-toed feet. Presented with open beaks and in mid-step, these creatures follow one another around the edge of the plate, head to tail, each occupying roughly half the space of the image field. Painted in brown, cream, plum, and reddish orange, this polychrome plate has a similar but not exact design compared to its mate (1993.307.2). There are variations in the colors of the pedestal pattern and slight differences between the beasts, such as the red-rimmed eyes of those on one plate. This imbues the work with an air of spontaneity within the fixed composition.

Artist

Unknown

Date

5th–8th century

Medium

Ceramic

Culture

Conte or Coclé (Macaracas)

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Credit line

Gift of Carol R. Meyer, 1993