Mayan Shell Pot - Nicaragua

The two-sided clam shaped pot depicts Quetzalcóatl with the tail feathers of the brightly colored Central American quetzal bird and the coatl, snake.  Maya mythology describes serpents as being the vehicles by which celestial bodies, such as the sun and stars, cross the heavens. The shedding of their skin made them a symbol of rebirth and renewal.

It was created in San Juan Oriente Nicaragua, a small village nestled among volcanos and a lagoon.  The artistic process begins with “throwing” on a kick wheel, followed by days of rigorously polishing and treating the newly formed clay.  Once prepped, the piece is decorated with pigments mixed from mineral oxides.  Acrylics are used for vivid coloring.  Then in classic Nicaraguan style, the artisans meticulously carve elaborate patterns and designs, in both relief and surface etching called sgraffito.  They then bake the pot in a wood-burning kiln. In the final stage, the pot is removed and polished. 

Distributed by Mundo Handmade, a fair trade organization that works to support the livelihood of artists and their families. Items are generally intended for artistic display and decorative purposes.

*This fragile item does not fit into standard Priority shipping boxes and will have an additional $12 charge added after purchase for special packaging. 

Colors:  Green and Crème

Dimensions:  7” X 9”