Lot 42

Costa Rican Nicoya Rattle Dish + Chiriqui Vessel

Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 42
image_0 image_1 image_2
Costa Rican Nicoya Rattle Dish + Chiriqui Vessel
Costa Rican Nicoya Rattle Dish + Chiriqui Vessel
image_0 image_1 image_2

Costa Rican Nicoya Rattle Dish + Chiriqui Vessel

Estimate: $600 - $900

Starting Bid: $250

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
June 25, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, Greater Nicoya and Gran Chiriqui cultures, ca. 1000 to 1400 CE. A fine pair of pottery vessels from two distinct but neighboring cultural spheres of ancient Costa Rica. The first, from the Greater Nicoya culture, is a pedestal dish supported by a sculptural base modeled with two expressive heads - one avian with a sharply hooked beak, the other anthropomorphic with broad features and earspools. Uniquely, the leg of the pedestal contains a clay ball, allowing the vessel to function as a rattle when shaken. The dish rises to a wide basin with a scalloped rim, its elevation and figural supports suggesting a ceremonial function, perhaps for offerings or ritual display. Such blends of human and animal imagery reflect the Nicoya interest in transformation and the fluid boundaries between human and supernatural realms. Size of larger (pedestal): 8.8" Diameter x 5.5" H (22.4 cm x 14 cm)

The second, from the Gran Chiriqui culture, is a globular jar with a flaring neck encircled by an incised zigzag motif and small applied lugs at the shoulders. Its rounded body and warm, earthen surface patina testify to both utilitarian and symbolic uses. Jars of this type likely served for storing or pouring liquids, while also playing a role as funerary accompaniments placed within burials.

Together, the pair offers a glimpse into the diverse ceramic traditions of ancient Costa Rica, showcasing the Greater Nicoya's bold sculptural and auditory innovation alongside the more restrained but elegant forms of Gran Chiriqui.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-Caza Sikes, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, April 10, 2024, part of lot 102

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 196881

  • Condition: Pedestal dish still functions as a rattle. Both have been professionally repaired and restored. Ligh surface wear throughout, but otherwise both have nice presentation with good remaining detail and scattered earthen deposits.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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