Lot 153

Zapotec Pottery Figural Vessel with Glyph Motif

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Zapotec Pottery Figural Vessel with Glyph Motif

Estimate: $800 - $1,200

Starting Bid: $350

(0 Bids)

October 2, 2025 8:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US


Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Zapotec culture, ca. 300 BCE to 700 CE. A compelling pottery figural vessel representing a seated individual with knees propped and hands resting firmly upon them. The figure wears a broad headdress framing a stylized face with large almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose, and parted lips, enhanced with incised detailing. At the chest, a bold glyphic motif is rendered in relief, a hallmark of Zapotec iconography that may reference lineage, identity, or ritual significance. Behind the figure, a cylindrical chamber rises to form the vessel's opening, suggesting this piece once functioned as a container for offerings, liquids, or ritual substances. The blackened surface deposits indicate exposure to fire or ritual burning, further attesting to its ceremonial use. Such vessels embody the Zapotec tradition of combining figural representation with functional form, serving as intermediaries between the human and divine. Size: 3.2" L x 3.7" W x 7.3" H (8.1 cm x 9.4 cm x 18.5 cm)

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-Selkirk Auctions, St. Louis, Missouri, USA; ex-private Fayette, Missouri, USA estate

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#197198

  • Condition: Some light surface wear, but, otherwise, intact and excellent with good remaining detail. Areas of fire-darkening to surface.

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Bid Increments
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