HM 5101

HM 5101:Anthropomorphic Tadpole
AD 1000-1250, Mexico

Description: Appraisal96 Black on white bowl. Anthropomorphic tadpole-like figure in center. Diamond geometric design. No cracks or breaks. The bowl was 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.