Tlatilco Vessel in Form of a Rabbit

Exploring the Early Americas The Jay I. Kislak Collection

Pre-Contact America | Explorations and Encounters | Aftermath of the Encounter

Languages and Religion | Competition for Empire | Documenting New Knowledge

Tlatilco Vessel in Form of a Rabbit (166)

Effigy vessel in the form of a rabbit. Central Mexico. Tlatilco, 1150–550 BC. Ceramic with cream-colored slip highlighted with black resist design. Jay I. Kislak Collection, Rare Book
and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress (166.00.00)

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One of the earliest advanced cultures, the Tlatilco flourished in the Valley of Mexico. The culture is characterized in part by the creation of pottery in the form of humans and indigenous animals, by elaborate burials, and stylized Olmec-inspired design. The rabbit-shaped vessel on display not only pictures an indigenous animal but also reveals information on the customs and rites of native cultures. Similar vessels have been found in quantity at burial sites.