An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Lidded Bowl with Iguanac. 600–1100 (Thermoluminescence date, 995–1395)
At the time of the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, Costa Rican mythology linked iguanas to the sky and to rulers. The earlier makers of this vessel left no written records, but they may have had similar beliefs. The lizard poses as though basking in the sun, a celestial body, and assumes an aggressive stance that could be likened to a ruler's: the teeth and chin under the dewlap are displayed, Also, fine ceramics like this were buried in the graves of the high-status dead, some of them certainly leaders of the several groups that competed in the area.
Green iguanas can grow to be over 6 feet long.
ceramic, slip
Base: 15.1 x 35 cm (5 15/16 x 13 3/4 in.); Lid: 29.9 x 38 cm (11 3/4 x 14 15/16 in.)
Norman O. Stone and Ella A. Stone Memorial Fund
In the warm embrace of the 16th century, as the sun blazed brightly over the verdant hills of what is now Costa Rica, a story of reverence and power unfolded among the ancient inhabitants. It was a time marked by the arrival of foreign conquerors, sparking a profound clash of cultures. Yet, amid this turmoil, the indigenous beliefs blossomed like the lush flora around them, weaving deep connections to the skies above and the rulers below.
Picture, if you will, a beautifully crafted ceramic vessel, the kind that glows softly in the light, evoking a sense of mystery. On its surface rests an iguana, strategically posed in an almost regal manner, as if it were basking in the sun—its natural throne. The creature, with its fierce teeth glistening beneath a dewlap, stands in an assertive stance, perhaps a reflection of the leaders that once roamed this land. To the people of that time, the iguana was not merely a creature of the earth; it held significance beyond the mundane, acting as a bridge to the celestial realms, a symbol of authority akin to the rulers who once commanded the loyalty of their tribes.
These ancient artisans left no written record to preserve their thoughts, their beliefs, their narratives. Instead, their silent expressions linger in this vessel, urging us to reflect on their world—a world that echoed with the whispers of leaders who were buried with exquisite fine ceramics. These relics were not just decorations, but markers of power, placed reverently alongside the high-status dead. Each piece carried the weight of history, evoking the spirit of those who once occupied this vibrant land and the fierce competition among various groups vying for dominance.
As we recognize this iguana’s presence, we engage with its story—a story steeped in mythology, power, and a profound connection to the universe. It serves as a reminder that even in silence, stories endure, waiting for us to listen and wander through the echoes of time.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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