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Zapotec, Oaxaca, Mexico
Urn of Cocijo Middle Formative – Late Formative, Monte Albán I 600 BCE-200 BCE
earthenware
42.2 × 18.6 × 18.7 cm
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Presented through the NGV Foundation by Nigel Morgan, Founder Benefactor, 2002
Photo: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
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Urn of Cocijo
Middle Formative – Late Formative, Monte Albán I 600 BCE-200 BCE
Medium
earthenware
Measurements
42.2 × 18.6 × 18.7 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Presented through the NGV Foundation by Nigel Morgan, Founder Benefactor, 2002
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
This urn from Monte Alban, the sacred and political centre of the Zapotecs, depicts Cocijo, the god of rain and lightning. The origin of Cocijo’s attributes can be traced to Olmec iconography. Traces of Olmec imagery can be seen in Cocijo’s characteristic motifs: the pug-shaped nose, the tabular ears, the flared ‘snarling jaguar’ upper lip, the three large teeth protruding from the upper lip, the almond shaped eyes of the Olmec rain baby, as well as the flame eyebrows.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Oaxaca, Mexico
Accession Number
2002.217
Department
Pre-Columbian Art
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