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Pair of Monumental Marajoara Urns, Brazil, 1970s

$4,630per set
£3,535.67per set
€4,236.88per set
CA$6,666.66per set
A$6,873.23per set
CHF 3,871.70per set
MX$87,951.53per set
NOK 44,675.32per set
SEK 46,727.77per set
DKK 31,681.56per set

About the Item

Pair of Monumental Marajoara Urns, Brazil, 1970s Standing an impressive 95 cm high, this rare pair of monumental urns embodies the enduring spirit of Marajoara art, one of the most sophisticated pre-Columbian ceramic traditions of the Americas. Originating from Marajó Island, at the mouth of the Amazon River, the Marajoara culture flourished between 400 AD and 1350 AD, producing ceramics of remarkable complexity, beauty, and symbolism. These 1970s reinterpretations are masterfully executed tributes to that ancient lineage, combining archaeological fidelity with a bold, modern sculptural scale. The reddish-terracotta surface is richly incised with geometric and zoomorphic motifs — serpents, lizards, and stylized patterns that evoke fertility, transformation, and the cosmic forces of the rainforest. Each vessel’s harmonious form and intricate engraving recall the ancestral urns once used to honor the dead, yet here they transcend their ritual origins to become striking works of mid-century Brazilian art. The craftsmanship and patina speak to the era’s revival of indigenous aesthetics within Brazil’s modernist movement — when artists and designers sought to reconnect national identity with its deep Amazonian roots. Pairs of this magnitude and refinement are exceptionally uncommon, making these urns not only decorative objects but also cultural testaments to a dialogue between ancient and modern Brazil. A rare and commanding presence in any collection — museum-worthy, architectural, and profoundly evocative of the timeless genius of Marajoara civilization.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 37.41 in (95 cm)Width: 11.82 in (30 cm)Depth: 11.82 in (30 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Style:
    Other (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1970's
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
  • Seller Location:
    Rio De Janeiro, BR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU9400247204312

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