Vessel in the Form of a Squash

Place of OriginWest Mexico, Colima State

Date2nd century BCE – 3rd century CE

DimensionsH: 4 in.

Mediumsix-lobed squashlike form. Polished redware; traces of white lines radiating from center bottom.

ClassificationCeramics

Credit LineGift of H. A. Fee

Object number

1949.114

Not on View

Label TextThis ceramic vessel from the region of Colima, Mexico is shaped like a squash, echoing the natural form of pumpkins, which were a staple of the ancient Mesoamerican diet. The Colima people, known for their vibrant ceramic tradition, often created vessels that depicted familiar aspects of daily life. Colima ceramics like this one are frequently found in burial sites, suggesting that everyday objects were placed with the deceased to accompany them into the afterlife.