Lot 24
Native American, Southeastern United States, Mississippian, late to Historic Caddo, ca. 1400 to 1650 CE. A rare Caddo Hood Engraved effigy bowl, defined by its crisp horizontal engraved lines and animated by two sculpted rim heads that were made to rattle when handled. The vessel is formed as a deep, rounded bowl with a wide mouth and smooth, burnished surface, darkened by firing to a smoky charcoal-brown. Around the upper body, the engraved decoration appears in parallel courses, wrapping the circumference with steady precision. This linear banding is a hallmark of the Hood Engraved tradition, emphasizing form, proportion, and surface control rather than dense figural ornament. The rim attachments are the dramatic focal point. One head, with a lifted muzzle and pointed ears, suggests a wolf or powerful feline. The opposing head, with a rounded beak and compact profile, reads as a bird, possibly a duck or other waterfowl. Size: 8.5" L x 6.4" W x 5" H (21.6 cm x 16.3 cm x 12.7 cm)
They also function as rattles, likely containing small pellets within, turning the bowl into an object meant to be lifted, moved, and sounded. Attributed to the Hood Engraved tradition, this bowl belongs to a celebrated corpus of late Mississippian and early Historic Caddo pottery, prized for refined engraving and imaginative sculptural detail. It stands as a compelling blend of utility, artistry, and performance, reflecting the sophistication of Caddo ceramic production at its height.
Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection
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#201075
- Condition: Light surface wear with nicks, small chips, and abrasions as shown, but, otherwise, intact and excellent with liberal remaining detail and scattered earthen deposits. Still functions as a rattle.
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| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
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