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Orange and Cream Bowl

Arts of the Americas

Characterized by contrasting colors of orange, cream, and brown, this Cerro Montoso–style bowl reflects the importance of fine pottery in Totonac culture. The artist built on previous ceramic techniques to create a light, thin-walled vessel. The stylized yet naturalistic images of lobsters and water birds, most likely herons, allude to the importance of marine resources for human sustenance on Mexico’s Gulf Coast. The delicately incised lines on the animals accentuate their eyes, heads, and bodies.
CULTURE Totonac
MEDIUM Ceramic
DATES ca. 900-1200
DIMENSIONS 4 x 6 1/8 x 6 1/8 in. (10.2 x 15.6 x 15.6 cm)  (show scale)
COLLECTIONS Arts of the Americas
ACCESSION NUMBER 1996.116.18
CREDIT LINE Bequest of Mrs. Carl L. Selden
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Globular bowl with a rounded base and very thin walls that are covered with white and orange slip and decorated on the outside with brown painted lobsters and water birds. Thin incised lines accentuate the animal designs. Possibly Cerro Montoso style (900-1200).
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
CAPTION Totonac. Orange and Cream Bowl, ca. 900-1200. Ceramic, 4 x 6 1/8 x 6 1/8 in. (10.2 x 15.6 x 15.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Bequest of Mrs. Carl L. Selden, 1996.116.18. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1996.116.18_transpc002.jpg)
IMAGE overall, 1996.116.18_transpc002.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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