Lot 52

Mississippian Large Eel Effigy Pottery Bowl, Firing Clouds

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Mississippian Large Eel Effigy Pottery Bowl, Firing Clouds

Estimate: $800 - $1,200

Starting Bid: $350

(0 Bids)

by Artemis Fine Arts
August 6, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Ca. 1000 - 1050 CE. Native American, Mississippian culture. A large and remarkably intact pottery bowl modeled in a subtle eel effigy form, its broad, rounded body and gently undulating rim punctuated by opposing lateral projections that suggest the head and tail, the darkened surface bearing traces of firing clouds that enhance its organic presence, reflecting a sculptural approach to utilitarian ceramics in which aquatic symbolism - particularly the eel, a creature associated with waterways and sustenance - may have held regional significance in the Mississippi River Valley, where this vessel was discovered in New Madrid County, Missouri.

Provenance: Private Colorado, USA Collection; ex-private Denver, Colorado, USA collection; ex-private New York, USA collection, acquired October 2011 via Tony Putty Artifacts, Shelbyville, Indiana, USA; ex-Ken Partain collection (Ken's Relics), Arkansas, USA, found in New Madrid County, Missouri, USA

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Item # 202274

  • Condition: Fair condition. Expected weathering and surface wear as shown, commensurate with age. Some stable surface fissures in areas. Otherwise, intact and very nice with scattered mineral deposits. Old label with find site on underside of base.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000