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Among the remarkably graceful vessels once originally buried in the shaft tombs for which West Mexico is known, representations of animals are some of the most charming. This very realistic effigy of a parrot is a magnificent example of the mastery West Mexican sculptors attained in portraying the fauna with which they came in contact.




Vessel in the shape of a parrot
Colima cultures
Early to Middle Classic (200-600 A.D.)
State of Colima
Burnished red and whitish clay
20.2 x 17.4 cm.
National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico.

Photo © Jorge Pérez de Lara