Monumental “Bullet” Amphora of the Nariño Culture

Culture: Nariño Culture/Southwest Colombia

Period: 800-1250 A.D.

Material: Terrakotta

Dimensions: 42.3 cm high

Price: 4 000 Euro

Ref: 11078

Provenance: Austrian private collection Prof. Josef Mairitsch (1938-1994) with the inventory number M 6. Acquired between 1960 and the early 1980s. Thence in the family estate. With copies of the collection note (described as Tuncahuán) and inventory list.

Condition: A very minor wear on the rim, otherwise intact with wonderfully preserved colors.

Description: Magnificent, large “bullet” amphora of the Nariño culture, which flourished in southwestern Colombia as of 800 A.D. and is well known for its outstanding pottery. The high vessel with a round base, bulbous, ovoid body and a long concave neck. The spout is far out protruding, the rim coloured and rounded. The unusual shape earned this type of vessel the somewhat dubious name “bullet” amphora. The black primed vase is decorated in negative with crème-coloured paint. The ornaments depict lozenges, eyes, hatched triangles and squares with concave sides around the neck. Three broad, with red slip applied bands run on the body, neck and rim around the vessel. See for the type Armand J. Labbé “Colombia Antes De Colón”, Bogota 1988, p. 196, Lámina XXXIX und XL. On an extern foot ring.