Double-Tiered Jar

Unknown

3rd–4th century · Ceramic, pigment · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Despite colonial descriptions of rich indigenous ceremonial life, ancient depictions of Caribbean ceremonies are exceedingly rare. Here, the artists painted two scenes with multiple humans carrying an object. The stylized painting is difficult to interpret, but the subtle differences in the scenes indicate movement or transition. This image could depict a leader being moved in a palanquin or perhaps the delivery of a funerary bundle to a necropolis.

Artist

Unknown

Date

3rd–4th century

Medium

Ceramic, pigment

Culture

Tonosí style

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Credit line

Purchase, Arthur M. Bullowa Bequest, 2007