HM 4785

HM 4785:Two Birds
AD 1000-1250, Mexico

Description: Appraisal96 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. This bowl is black on white. Two birds with squared-edge beaks and triangular line design wings are bordered by four flat triangles around rim. Repaired crack extends diameter of bowl. Hole, center bottom.