Lot 5
Native American, Southeastern United States, Mississippian culture, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A handsome and archetypal Mississippian Avery Engraved pottery jar, defined by its bold incised rim band and full, rounded body. The vessel presents a gently flaring lip above a constricted neck, opening into a globular lower form that rests on a subtly rounded base. The most striking feature is the engraved decorative zone encircling the shoulder. A continuous series of nested arches and scalloped motifs is framed by tightly spaced vertical and diagonal incision marks, creating a rhythmic, almost textile like pattern. This style, known as Avery Engraved, is associated with Mississippian communities of the Lower Mississippi Valley and surrounding regions. The precise, repeated engraving suggests both technical control and symbolic intent, possibly referencing cosmological themes or clan identifiers common within Mississippian visual language. Size: 6" W x 6.6" H (15.2 cm x 16.8 cm)
The surface exhibits visible coil and smoothing striations, along with areas of fire clouding that range from warm buff to deep brown and charcoal tones. These tonal variations, produced during open firing, lend the vessel a dynamic, organic character. A stable vertical crack and minor surface wear are consistent with age and burial, yet the overall form remains strong and well preserved.
Mississippian pottery such as this was not merely utilitarian. Vessels of this type were often used in food preparation and storage, but finely engraved examples were also placed in burials as offerings, underscoring their ceremonial and social importance. This jar stands as a compelling example of Mississippian ceramic artistry, uniting functional form with sophisticated engraved design.
Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection; ex-Daniel Wolf, New York, USA collection, acquired May 1989; ex-Fine Arts of Ancient Lands, Inc., New York, New York, USA
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#201325
- Condition: Professionally repaired and restored with some break lines still visible. Small area of chipping to rim, as well as age-expected surface wear as shown. Otherwise, nice presentation with good remaining decoration and scattered earthen deposits.
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