PreColumbian - Chorotega Ritual Tripod Vessel - 1100–1400 AD

Overview

Origin: Chorotega culture, Greater Nicoya region (present-day Costa Rica)

Date: c. 1100–1400 AD

Material: Fired red clay with mineral accretion

Dimensions: Approx. 5.5” H × 6.5” W

Condition: Structurally complete with historical repairs

An authentic pre-Columbian ritual vessel from the Chorotega people of ancient Costa Rica, dated 1100–1400 AD. This ceramic effigy bowl stands on three sculpted avian legs—each formed as a stylized bird, likely parrots or owls, symbolizing celestial messengers.

The vessel's surface features a rich reddish-brown slip with age-softened patina and encrustation. The rim is intact and well-formed. An underside label underside reads “Vasija del Pacífico, el MST – PC 75”—suggesting former institutional or academic collection history.

Notable condition details:

The central, frontal bird effigy has lost the upper crest tip of its head and exhibits a visible age crack running down the face.

The torso-to-leg joint of another effigy appears to have undergone an early, non-modern repair—likely archaeological or field-based. The reattachment seam is visible but stable, with no modern filler or overpaint.

The other avian support remain intact, unrestored, and structurally sound.

This vessel exemplifies the Chorotega animist worldview, where birds were carriers between realms and sacred intermediaries. Despite its imperfections, this piece retains full presence, ritual form, and cultural gravity—a survivor, not a replica.

Provenance

From the estate of Tom Cavanaugh.

Label: “Vasija del Pacífico, el MST – PC 75”

Believed to be from early field recovery, pre-1970s academic or institutional inventory. 

No modern intervention or synthetic material detected

Repaired, not replaced. Damaged, but real. This is a vessel that once stood on three birds — and still does.

 Price includes shipping and insurance.