Vintage INAH Casas Grandes Badger Effigy Pottery Vessel, Mexico

Vintage INAH Mexico zoomorphic badger effigy pottery vessel inspired by the celebrated polychrome ceramics of Casas Grandes / Paquimé, Chihuahua.

The sculptural vessel features a modeled badger head with an open mouth and bold geometric decoration in black and reddish-brown over a cream ground. Spirals, stepped motifs and fine linear patterns reproduce the distinctive visual language associated with Casas Grandes pottery.

This is an INAH reproduction inspired by a historic Casas Grandes / Paquimé vessel and is not an ancient Pre-Columbian artifact.

The Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH) identifies this form in its reproduction catalogue as No. 3066, Vasija Zoomorfa Policroma, depicting the head of a badger. The historical vessel on which the reproduction is based is associated with Paquimé, Chihuahua and the Casas Grandes culture.

Condition is important: This example has been previously repaired and displays multiple visible repaired cracks and creases throughout the pottery, particularly around the neck and body. Repair material/adhesive is visible in several areas and inside the vessel. There is additional surface wear, scratches, abrasions and pigment loss consistent with age and previous handling. Please review all photographs carefully for the extent and appearance of the repairs.

Details

● Maker/Institution: INAH – Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia
● Type: Zoomorphic effigy pottery vessel
● Subject: Badger ● Style: Casas Grandes / Paquimé
● Design: Ramos-style polychrome geometric decoration
● Material: Earthenware / ceramic. ● Colors: Cream, black and reddish brown
● Mark: INAH Mexico mark on underside.  ● Era: 20th century

● Condition: Previously repaired; multiple visible cracks, creases and restoration
● Historical inspiration: Casas Grandes / Paquimé, Chihuahua
● Original cultural period represented: Middle Period, circa 1200–1450 CE

● This vessel itself is a later INAH reproduction, not a 1200–1450 CE archaeological artifact.

Dimensions: Diameter: ( Base) 6 in. x Height: 7 in.

A comparable INAH Casas Grandes badger vessel in good condition with minimal paint loss sold at auction for US$520 in 2021. Because this example has extensive previous repairs, the pricing has been substantially discounted from the value of an intact example.

Country of Origin: Mexico
U.S. buyers are responsible for import duties and tariffs.

Important Notice: Fragile item – Local pickup only. Shipping Possible though not recommended