Pre-Columbian Jaguar Vessel

This vessel is an example of a jaguar effigy vessel from the Nicoya culture from Costa Rica. It is appropriate to find an effigy vessel of a jaguar, displaying how the Costa Rican people worshipped this animal for its power and beauty. A perfect example of the strength of color use is seen on the head of the jaguar. The colors accentuate the most important aspects of the jaguar such as the big eyes, sharp teeth, and powerful muscles. Within the mouth of the jaguar there is a clay ball, transforming this vessel into a rattle most probably used in ritualistic ceremonies. The mouth of the jaguar exemplifies the power of the animal because, the jaguar shows us his sharp teeth, and at the same time gives us a jovial grin. Around the jaguar's head there is a very vibrant pattern of smaller jaguar heads. These patterns are seen around the extremities as well, suggesting the symbolic importance of the revered jaguar. This large pear-shaped jar stands on hollow rattle tripod legs, two of which are modeled to represent a jaguar's hind legs. A third leg in the form of a tail is at the rear. Two short hollow forelegs loop out from the sides with paws resting on the hind legs.