Antique pre-Columbian era Nariño Art Pottery Bowl Handmade - Good Condition, Normal Wear given age ... See Photos - Measures 5 1/2" W x 3" H ... Includes FREE SHIPPING. Note the projected collectibles, vintage, antiques, and memorabilia, U.S. market shows substantial growth on-average 6.5% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) to reach $280 Billion revenue by 2033.
Upon examination the antique bowl appears to display the distinct characteristics of pottery from the Nariño culture (also referred to as Carchi-Pasto or Tuza) of the pre-Columbian era. This culture inhabited the Andean highlands of what is now southern Colombia and northern Ecuador.
Key identifying features include:
- Form: The vessel has a classic Nariño shape, with a flared bowl sitting atop a pronounced pedestal foot or annular base.
- Color Palette: The decoration uses a typical three-color scheme of black and a reddish-brown slip over a lighter cream or orange base clay.
- Decorative Technique: The geometric patterns were likely created using a "negative resist" technique. In this process, wax or another resistant material is used to draw the designs before the black slip is applied. When the piece is fired, the wax melts away, revealing the lighter color of the clay underneath.
- Motifs: The bold, geometric designs on both the interior and exterior—consisting of broad stripes, bands, and stepped patterns—are hallmarks of Nariño pottery.
This piece appears to be a classic example of the sophisticated and visually striking ceramic art produced by the ancient cultures of the Colombian-Ecuadorian highlands before the arrival of Europeans.
