Lot 1
Native American, Southeastern United States, Mississippian Caddo culture, ca. 1200 to 1500 CE. A sculptural vision in clay, this Caddo tri-lobed seed jar rises in three swelling tiers, its rounded contours animated by rhythmic incised lines that move like wind across prairie grass. Compact yet commanding, the vessel embodies both utility and ceremony, a marriage of storage and symbolism shaped by skilled hands centuries ago. Hand-coiled and carefully burnished, the jar features a distinctive tri-lobed profile - a lower globular chamber, a central constricted band, and a domed upper lobe that narrows to a circular mouth. The form creates a sense of upward movement, almost architectural in its balance. The darkened surface, likely achieved through controlled firing in a reduced oxygen environment, lends the clay a deep charcoal tone that contrasts beautifully with the reddish incised decoration. Size: 5.3" Diameter x 8.2" H (13.5 cm x 20.8 cm)
The incised motifs sweep across the body in repeating arcs and concentric bands. Fine cross-hatched elements fill triangular fields, creating textural contrast against the smooth burnished ground. These curvilinear patterns are characteristic of Caddo ceramic artistry, reflecting a visual language rooted in cosmology and social identity. The flowing lines may reference cycles of nature, water, or celestial movement - themes that recur in Mississippian iconography throughout the Southeast.
Caddo potters were among the most accomplished ceramicists of pre-contact North America. Their vessels, often found in burial contexts, functioned not only as containers for seeds and sustenance but also as offerings and markers of status. The tri-lobed seed jar form, with its carefully proportioned segments, reflects a sophisticated understanding of volume and balance. Each incised line was cut with intention, transforming a practical storage vessel into a work of visual rhythm and cultural expression.
Today, this jar stands as a testament to the artistic refinement of the Caddo people and the enduring power of Native American ceramic traditions. Its sculptural silhouette and intricately incised surface make it equally compelling as an artifact of daily life and as an object of aesthetic contemplation.
Please note that this jar was sold for $5,000 on August 28, 1989, which is equivalent to $13,051.85 today.
Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection; ex-Daniel Wolf, New York, USA collection, acquired August 28, 1989; ex-Caddo Trading Company, Murfreesboro, Arkansas, USA
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#201332
- Condition: Professionally repaired and restored with break lines visible in areas. Some weathering and abrasions to surface. Otherwise, nice presentation
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |