These two wonderful drinking bowls were made by indigenous Canelos Quichua women in the Oriente (upper Amazonian) region of Ecuador, probably in the 1970s or 80s. Between the star-shaped face of the larger, with its eyebrows, nose, and mouth (with teeth!) sculpted in relief; the bird/butterfly at the center of the smaller; and the wonderfully fine graphic patterns on both, I am completely charmed. No wonder that the pottery of this region is regarded as among the most beautiful in South America!
Produced with local clayand decorated with brushes made of the hair of their children, these types of drinking vessels were traditionally used for serving Aswan, a fermented gruel that is a dietary staple of the people of this region.
The larger measures 5 3/8" in diameter and 1 3/8" tall; the smaller 4 3/8" diameter and 1 1/4" tall. They are in very good condition, with no chips or cracks.
