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Collections

Effigy Tobacco Flask of Bird's Head with Open Beak600–900 CE

Not on view
Small terracotta ceramic vessel modeled as a bird-reptile creature's head, with hooked beak, carved eye, notched band, and clawed feet at the base
Ceramic effigy vessel in reddish-brown clay, modeled as a human face with exaggerated features including a prominent hooked nose, open mouth, and wrinkled brow. A cylindrical opening rises from the top; a serrated band encircles the crown. Circular ear ornaments flank the face, and incised lines mark the chin. Traces of dark pigment remain in recessed areas.
Ceramic effigy vessel with burnished reddish-brown slip; globular body with flared neck attached to a molded bird figure with incised feather and facial details, shown in profile against a purple background.
Title
Effigy Tobacco Flask of Bird's Head with Open Beak
Culture
Maya
Date Made
600–900 CE
Period
Late Classic Period
Medium
Ceramic with plumbate slip
Dimensions
3 × 3 × 3 7/8 in. (7.62 × 7.62 × 9.84 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Ann Ziff
Accession Number
M.2019.357.18
Classification
Ceramics
Collecting Area
Art of the Ancient Americas