Maya Redware Turtle Bowl

Exhibiting a rich patina, this petite redware bowl is attributed to Maya culture and shows many telltale signs of Pre-Columbian pottery. Speckled with imperfections, the vessel's warm red-orange coloration was achieved by applying a mineral-rich slip for a monochrome finish.

The hand-formed vessel is sculpted with a domed shape and is decorated with protruding appliqué decoration of a creature's head and limbs. The animal features are simple yet charming, and their placement on either side of the bowl is suggestive of a turtle peeking out of its shell. Although the precise date of the piece is unknown, this petite vessel remains an exquisite example of Pre-Columbian artistry.

Minor chips to rim.