Seems to be made of a red-orange terracotta clay. Has abstract designs painted in black lines on interior of vessel. Base is a wide cone with four small holes in it.
1¾" high x 3" wide
Hello, this item is a small Mesoamerican ceramic vessel, likely dating between 300–900 CE, attributable to the Classic period of cultures such as the Zapotec, Mixtec, or Maya. The vessel is made from red-orange terracotta clay and features interior black-line painted motifs, including spiral and zigzag patterns often associated with water, wind, or serpentine iconography—recurring themes in Mesoamerican cosmology. The footed base with perforations is characteristic of ceremonial or utilitarian miniature wares, possibly used in domestic ritual contexts or as burial offerings.
While modest in size (1¾ inches high by 3 inches wide), its intact condition, pigment preservation, and stylistic clarity enhance its collectibility. Provided this is an authentic ancient piece (and not a tourist-era reproduction), its market value would typically fall between $300 and $700 USD, depending on provenance, cultural attribution, and any additional context from professional authentication. For sale or loan to an institution, documentation of legal export and cultural origin would be critical due to strict repatriation standards for Pre-Columbian antiquities.