A Large Casas Grandes Owl Vessel, Post Classic Period, ca. 1250 - 1450 CE

This striking vessel, possibly an olla, displays a captivating owl head emerging from the rim. Its charming appearance is highlighted by its small circular eyes, hooked beak, and pointed ears, forming a round face outlined in dark brown. The vessel broadens from a wide opening to a flared shoulder, before narrowing again to a softly-rounded base. The intricate patterns of black and red lines, geometric shapes, and steps add a touch of elegance to this beautifully crafted piece.

Casas Grandes, also known as Paquimé, was situated north of the traditional hub of the Mesoamerican world and south of the Pueblo cultures of the Southwest. Flourishing between 1130 and 1450 CE, the iconographic style of Casas Grande art reflects influences from both Mesoamerica and the Southwest. Casas Grandes was a well-planned urban center that became prosperous through trade in precious commodities such as shells, copper, turquoise, and tropical bird feathers. The city's craftsmen, skilled in working with these materials, further enhanced its wealth by producing finished products for export. Among these were ceramic vessels featuring bright polychrome surfaces. The vessels, primarily globular jars, were highly valued and extensively traded. In their production, certain standardized systems of shape and decoration were adhered to, which included restrained color schemes—primarily blue/black and brown/red—geometric patterns, and a notable use of human and animal imagery, such as this example.

For a parallel example, see: Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, catalogue number: 11/9883.

Dimensions:  Height: 8 1/2 inches (21.59 cm), Width: 8 inches (20.32 cm)

Condition:  Short collar rim partially restored and head reattached, bowl is repaired from approximately twenty original pieces with restoration over the break lines and some resurfacing on the exterior, with touch up to the painted decoration.

Provenance:  Estate of Peter H. Tillou (1935 - 2021), CT, acquired in the 1990s, then passed to family by descent. Appraised by Marianne Huber (art appraiser/consultant, formerly of Huber Primitive Art and later of New World Art Services) in 2014, collection # 010. Tillou was a renowned international arts and antiques dealer with galleries in Buffalo, New York; Litchfield, Connecticut; Sun Valley, Idaho; London, England; and New York City during his career, which spanned over 65 years. 

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