{"product_id":"pre-columbian-nicoya-polychrome-tripod-bowl-with-geometric-motifs-circa-800-1200-ce","title":"Pre-Columbian | Nicoya | Polychrome Rattle Tripod Bowl with Geometric Motifs | Costa Rica | Circa 800–1200 CE","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"179\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"31\"\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"179\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"34\" data-end=\"45\"\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Guanacaste–Nicoya, Costa Rica\u003cbr data-start=\"75\" data-end=\"78\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"78\" data-end=\"91\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-painted terracotta with internal rattle elements\u003cbr data-start=\"145\" data-end=\"148\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"148\" data-end=\"159\"\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 800–1200 CE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"181\" data-end=\"587\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"181\" data-end=\"196\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"181\" data-end=\"587\"\u003eThis superb Pre-Columbian Nicoya rattle tripod bowl exemplifies the artistic and ceremonial sophistication of ancient Costa Rica. Hand-painted in vivid red, cream, and black mineral pigments, the vessel rests on three hollow conical legs containing rattling pellets that produce a soft, resonant sound when moved—an acoustic feature believed to awaken spirits or accompany sacred rites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"589\" data-end=\"1019\"\u003eThe bowl’s interior features concentric geometric and stepped motifs radiating from a central medallion, symbolizing cosmic harmony and renewal. Around the rim, stylized avian or serpent figures alternate in rhythmic sequence, evoking divine transformation and communication. The combination of sound, form, and symbolism reflects the Nicoya people’s deep spiritual connection to the cycles of nature and the supernatural world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1021\" data-end=\"1035\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1021\" data-end=\"1033\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1038\" data-end=\"1109\"\u003e- Authentic rattle tripod construction with sound-producing hollow legs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1112\" data-end=\"1168\"\u003e- Hand-painted in red, cream, and black mineral pigments\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1171\" data-end=\"1246\"\u003e- Geometric and stepped interior motifs representing solar or cosmic cycles\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1249\" data-end=\"1302\"\u003e- Stylized serpent or bird designs encircling the rim\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1305\" data-end=\"1374\"\u003e- Natural mineral patina and surface toning consistent with great age\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1376\" data-end=\"1815\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1376\" data-end=\"1401\"\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1376\" data-end=\"1815\"\u003eTripod bowls of this kind were sacred ceremonial vessels used in rituals of fertility, renewal, and divine invocation. Their built-in rattles symbolized the living heartbeat of the earth and sky, creating sound to bridge the physical and spiritual realms. Often placed in tombs or shrines, these vessels embodied the Nicoya belief in cyclical life, sound as prayer, and the harmony between man and the cosmos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1817\" data-end=\"2021\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1817\" data-end=\"1830\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1817\" data-end=\"2021\"\u003eExcellent ancient condition with minor rim chip and light surface wear consistent with age. Pigments remain vivid, and all three legs rattle clearly. No significant restoration detected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2023\" data-end=\"2085\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2023\" data-end=\"2051\"\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2023\" data-end=\"2085\"\u003eHeight: 5 in\u003cbr data-start=\"2066\" data-end=\"2069\"\u003eDiameter: 9 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2087\" data-end=\"2116\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2087\" data-end=\"2094\"\u003eAge\u003cstrong data-start=\"2023\" data-end=\"2051\"\u003e (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2087\" data-end=\"2116\"\u003eCirca 800–1200 CE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eView a tripod bowl with anthropomorphic legs in the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Tripod Bowl with Anthropomorphic Legs – Colgate University Museum of Art\" href=\"https:\/\/emuseum.colgate.edu\/objects\/790\/tripod-bowl-with-anthropomorphic-legs\"\u003eColgate University Museum of Art\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore our extensive selection of authentic ancient \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Relic and Rarity Antique Bowl Collection\" href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/search?q=bowl\u0026amp;options%5Bprefix%5D=last\"\u003eBowl \u0026amp; Ceramics Collection\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic and Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51483751547202,"sku":null,"price":1750.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/Pre-Columbian_Nicoya_Rattle_Tripod_Bowl_Guanacaste_Nicoya_Costa_Rica_Circa_800_1200_CE.png?v=1762107387","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/pre-columbian-nicoya-polychrome-tripod-bowl-with-geometric-motifs-circa-800-1200-ce","provider":"Relic and Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}