Double-Tiered Jar
Despite colonial descriptions of rich indigenous ceremonial life, ancient depictions of Caribbean ceremonies are exceedingly rare. Here, the artists painted two scenes with multiple humans carrying an object. The stylized painting is difficult to interpret, but the subtle differences in the scenes indicate movement or transition. This image could depict a leader being moved in a palanquin or perhaps the delivery of a funerary bundle to a necropolis.
Artwork Details
- Title: Double-Tiered Jar
- Date: 3rd–4th century
- Geography: Panama
- Culture: Tonosí style
- Medium: Ceramic, pigment
- Dimensions: H. 8 x Diam. 8 1/2 in. (20.3 x 21.6 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics-Containers
- Credit Line: Purchase, Arthur M. Bullowa Bequest, 2007
- Object Number: 2007.297
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.