2007.70.FA Cylindrical tripod vessel with two goggled figures (Teotihuacan, Mexico)

The art style associated with the central Mexican city of Teotihuacan (Teotihuacán) is one of the great traditions of ancient Mesoamerica. Nature, fertility, sacrifice, and war were the primary artistic themes, which were eloquently expressed in mural painting, on stone masks, and in painted scenes on ceramic vessels. Teotihuacan ceramic fashions influenced potters throughout Mayan Mesoamerica. The cylindrical shape of this vessel with three rounded feet was the most characteristic form. The incised decoration shows two figures in profile wearing goggles around their eyes and nose ornaments with three fang-like elements. These are attributes of the Storm God, a rain god who was also a god of warfare, as the shield carried by each figure suggests. The prominent headdress topped by green feathers is probably an indication of high status. These luxury vessels have been found in burials at Teotihuacan and as trade pieces in distant parts of Mesoamerica.

Bonnie Pitman, ed., "Cylindrical tripod vessel with two goggled figures (2007.70.FA)," in Dallas Museum of Art: A Guide to the Collection (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2012), 40.

Pre-Columbian (American): AAT: 300016619

Teotihuacán: AAT: 300017031

Mexico (nation): TGN: 7005560

Teotihuacán (deserted settlement): TGN: 7007218

ceramic (material): AAT: 300235507

stucco: AAT: 300014966

paint (coating): AAT: 300015029

clay: AAT: 300010439

glazing (coating): AAT: 300053914

incising: AAT: 300053847

burnishing (polishing): AAT: 30053869

coiling (pottery technique): AAT: 300053903

modeling (forming): AAT: 300053130

firing (technique): AAT: 300053887

tripods (stands): AAT: 300164679

tripod vessels (vessels / containers by form): DMA

feet (object components): AAT: 300233911

relief (sculpture techniques): AAT: 300053622

plano relief (sculpture techniques): DMA

Teotihuacán III Period (Tlamimilolpa): AAT: 300017018

Classic (mesoamerican period): AAT: 300016983

vessels (containers): AAT: 300193015 

funerary objects: AAT: 300234126

nature: AAT: 300179372

fertility: AAT: 300379149

sacrifices: AAT: 300263243

wars: AAT: 300055314

figures: AAT: 300189808

profiles (figures): AAT: 300123319

deities: AAT: 300343850

figures: AAT: 300189808

Tlaloc (Mesoamerican / Aztec deity of rain and lightning): CONA: 1001411

goggle-eye(s) (motif): DMA

nose ornaments (jewelry): AAT: 300211628

fangs (teeth): DMA

storms: AAT: 300054734

rain (precipitation / weather): AAT: 300055377

shields (armor): AAT: 300036869

headdress: AAT: 300046023

feathers (animal components): AAT: 300400474

social status: AAT: 300065206

burials: AAT: 300263485

trade (function): AAT: 300061886

luxury (concept / condition): DMA

scrolls (spirals/motifs): AAT: 300010094

speech (psychological concept): AAT: 300055195

speech scroll (motifs): DMA

From at least 1975-2007: Elizabeth M. and Duncan E. Boeckman, Dallas [1]

1983-1999: Dallas Museum of Art, on long-term loan from the above [1]

1999-2003: Elizabeth M. and Duncan E. Boeckman, Dallas [1]

2003-2007: Dallas Museum of Art, on long-term loan from the above [1]

From 2007: Dallas Museum of Art, Foundation for the Arts Collection, gift of Elizabeth M. and Duncan E. Boeckman [1], [2]

[1] The main source for this provenance is Deed of Gift from Elizabeth M. and Duncan E. Boeckman (dated December 19, 2007, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File, Confidential). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[2] The Foundation for the Arts is a non-profit corporation created as a title-holding entity to serve the people of Dallas but to operate independently of the City. The Dallas Museum of Art (at its own cost) is responsible for the care, storage, insurance, conservation and maintenance of the collection, and agrees to maintain the highest museum standards in the management and handling of the Foundation’s collection. The title to all works of art purchased or otherwise acquired by the Foundation for the Arts is retained by the Foundation.

Apply to objects where number equals 2007.70.FA