Altar Vessel

Item number 3420/2 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Ceramic vessel (part a) and lid (part b) with a red-brown surface and raised spikes all over. The body is somewhat spherical, with a small cylinder extending from the shoulder. The mouth is rectangular, and the base has a raised foot. The lid (part b) is rectangular in shape, with the handle shaped like a human head, centred within raised spikes.

History Of Use

Alter pots are used to contain powerful substances, which are used to summon a family’s protective spirits; the pots also protect the spirits. The spikes along their exterior prevent regular handling, to further protect them; the lid protects the contents from natural and supernatural contamination. Only made by the most accomplished potters who, because of a fear of sterility, must be over child-bearing age.