Chimila Anthropomorphic Burial Urn

Originates from: Colombia

Era: 800 - 1400 AD

Dimensions: 8” H x 6.75” Ø

Incredible anthropomorphic burial urn from the Chimila culture of Colombia, circa 800 - 1400 AD. These vessels were created to be placed in chambers within shaft tombs of Northwestern Colombia, built to hold skeletal remains - placed in post cremation ritual. The vessels are said to be phallic representations, and the idea of placing bones within these vessels, buried in womb-like shaft tombs lent to the idea of bones being the seeds of which new life grew.

This vessel, beautifully well intact, shows a bulbous formed body with hands reaching around the vessels body before ritual garments flow down the centre. The face, built as the urn lid, with well defined features, small slit eyes and mouth, nicely protruding nose and ceremonial headdress. 

Provenance: Private Montreal collection