Crocodile-form Tripod Bowl
The body of the crocodile is a rounded bowl with a short, vertical neck and flaring rim. It is supported by three tapering bulbous legs. Each hollow leg contains rattle pellets, and has two vertical slits. The reptile's modeled, open-mouthed head projects from the front of the bowl, while the tail is a flat, triangular extension of the vessel rim. The mouth displays an array of triangular teeth; atop the snout is a elaborate applique composition that resembles a small animal. The bowl and elements of the face are slipped orange, engraved lines encircle the rim, and an engraved interlace strip ornaments the vessel's neck. --M. Young-Sanchez
- "Time and Technology: Scientific Approaches to Costa Rican Prehistory." University Museum, University of Colorado-Boulder, September 15, 1985-January 26, 1986.
- "Prehistoric Art and Archaeology of Costa Rica." Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center, Pueblo, CO. January 12-February 24, 1990.
- "Costa Rican Pre-Columbian Art from the Collection of Jan and Frederick R. Mayer." Loveland Museum and Gallery, Loveland, CO, March 22, 1990-May 15, 1990.
Some images in our online collection are at thumbnail size, in accordance with AAMD guidelines, because they are protected by copyright. The Denver Art Museum respects the rights of artists or their representatives who retain the copyright to their work. Other images represent the best photography available and should be used as reference images only. Please complete the Image Rights Request form if you want to request a high resolution image.