HM 117

HM 117:Three Bees and Flower
AD 1000-1250, Mexico

Description: Appraisal96 Faded black on white bowl. Floral center design surrounded by three bees and geometric design. Hole, center bottom – flower partially missing. Piece missing on rim. Donated in 1982 by William P. Palmer III. From the Mimbres culture, the bowls were often found in gravesites. Certain bowls were used as mortuary vessels. These were placed over the head in burials. Their bases were ceremonially “killed’ to allow the spirit of the bowl to accompany the deceased’s spirit into the future world. Included in the temp. exhibit in Outnumbered! Insects to Humans, July 16, 2002-March 7, 2003.