{"product_id":"pre-columbian-jalisco-pottery-snail-vessel-protoclassic-period-circa-100-bce-250-ce","title":"Pre-Columbian Jalisco Pottery Snail Vessel – Protoclassic Period, circa 100 BCE – 250 CE","description":"\u003cp\u003eA charming and rare Pre-Columbian ceramic vessel from West Mexico, attributed to the Jalisco culture and dating to the Protoclassic period (circa 100 BCE – 250 CE). The vessel is modeled in the form of a snail — an unusual and delightful subject within the zoomorphic vessel tradition of the shaft tomb cultures — with an arched body tapering at each end and crowned by a pair of raised antennae. A tubular spout rises from the top, integrating functionality with playful sculptural invention. The exterior retains strong remains of a red-painted sunburst pattern, adding visual rhythm and underscoring the expressive creativity of the Jalisco ceramic tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eZoomorphic Vessels \u0026amp; Shaft Tomb Culture\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe shaft tomb cultures of West Mexico — centered in the modern states of Jalisco, Colima, and Nayarit — produced some of the most inventive and varied ceramic traditions in the ancient Americas. Zoomorphic vessels were among the most important objects placed in the elaborate underground shaft tombs that define this culture, serving as funerary offerings intended to accompany and nourish the deceased in the afterlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe choice of a snail as subject is particularly evocative. Gastropods and creatures associated with moisture, earth, and slow cyclical movement carried rich symbolic associations in ancient Mesoamerican cosmology — linked to fertility, regeneration, the lunar cycle, and the rhythms of agricultural life. The spiral form of the snail shell was itself a powerful symbol of cyclical time and cosmic order across many Mesoamerican cultures. In this vessel, the Jalisco potter has transformed a humble creature into a vehicle for deep symbolic meaning, rendered with the warmth and inventiveness characteristic of the West Mexican tradition at its best.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Jalisco tradition is distinguished from neighboring Colima by its tendency toward bolder, more angular forms and a greater use of painted surface decoration — both qualities evident in this vessel’s sunburst patterning and confident modeling.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eArtwork Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCulture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jalisco\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e West Mexico\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Protoclassic, circa 100 BCE – 250 CE\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ceramic with red pigment\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.6 in (16.8 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWidth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2.4 in (6.1 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.3 in (8.4 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrivate Los Angeles, California, USA collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eChip to the side with scattered nicks and surface abrasions, all commensurate with age. Otherwise intact and in excellent condition, with strong remaining pigment, interior encrustations, and attractive root marks throughout. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pre-Columbian","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53225008857455,"sku":null,"price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0984\/6967\/5375\/files\/s-l1600-94.jpg?v=1784442966","url":"https:\/\/www.lybrothersfineart.com\/products\/pre-columbian-jalisco-pottery-snail-vessel-protoclassic-period-circa-100-bce-250-ce","provider":"L\/Y Brothers","version":"1.0","type":"link"}