Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head
Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head, view 2
Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head, view 3
Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head, view 4
Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head, view 5
Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head, view 6
Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head, view 7
Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head
Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head, view 2
Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head, view 3
Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head, view 4
Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head, view 5
Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head, view 6
Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head, view 7
Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head
Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head, view 2 Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head, view 3 Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head, view 4 Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head, view 5 Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head, view 6 Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head, view 7

Pre-Columbian Pottery Jaguar Head

17542

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Veracruz Region, Classic Period, ca. 300–900 CE
A compelling hand-modeled terracotta head of a feline, most plausibly a jaguar, with rounded, pricked ears, a broad muzzle, and the characteristic bared dentition with exposed fangs and teeth in deep relief that hallmarks Mesoamerican jaguar imagery. The surface retains heavy earthen deposits and dark manganese/root-stain encrustation consistent with long burial, lending the piece a powerful archaeological patina. Stylistically, the modeling; short snout, heavy jowls, and prominent lateral ears is closest to Classic Veracruz/Remojadas feline effigies and to Maya lowland jaguar appliqué heads once attached to urns, censers, or large effigy vessels. The rough, broken lower edge indicates the piece is a fragment from a larger hollow vessel or censer.

The jaguar was the supreme Mesoamerican symbol of rulership, night, the underworld, and shamanic transformation; its image appears on censers, funerary urns, and effigy vessels across Veracruz and the Maya world.

Dimensions: Approx. 2 in (head) H.; 3 in. H mounted on a custom black wood display base.
Condition: Ancient fragment; stable, with heavy earthen/mineral deposits and expected surface wear.
Provenance: Private Mercer Island, WA collection, by descent from Ruth Goldwyn Capps and Henry McClure Capps (1910–1991), known as "Mac," an art director and production designer in Hollywood known for The Pride of the Yankees (1942), Ball of Fire (1941), and later TV productions including Rocky Jones, Space Ranger and The Life of Riley.

Every object is guaranteed authentic and as described, and has been legally acquired and imported in accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations on the movement and sale of antiquities. A signed certificate of authenticity with a description and photograph accompanies this object. Any restoration is described on the invoice.

Free shipping within the United States on most pieces; oversized works are quoted at checkout. Insurance is available on request. We pack and ship ourselves, usually within two business days. International shipping by USPS or DHL is calculated at checkout; if your country is not listed, write to us. Customs forms state the full value; international buyers are responsible for duties and taxes.

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