Artwork Page for Carved Bowl

Details / Information for Carved Bowl

Carved Bowl

1200–900 BCE

Mexico, Central Highlands, Olmec

Medium
earthenware
Measurements
Diameter: 13.2 cm (5 3/16 in.); Overall: 12 x 14 cm (4 3/4 x 5 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Samuel Merrin 1990.44
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

Although the Olmec heartland is located on Mexico's Gulf Coast, sites with Olmec-style architecture and sculpture are also found in the highlands of Central Mexico. Small-scale Olmec works in jade and pottery are even more widely distributed; their ownership probably conferred great prestige.
A cylindrical, mottled brown and charcoal earthenware vessel is covered in deeply carved geometric designs. Wide, smooth bands wrap around the body, one angling downward across the center. These bands sit atop areas filled with fine, incised diagonal lines that form repeating triangular patterns. The vessel tapers slightly toward its rounded base, featuring a matte surface with scattered scratches and weathering.

Carved Bowl

1200–900 BCE

Mexico, Central Highlands, Olmec

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