Description

In the Chihuahuan desert of northern Mexico, the Casas Grandes culture flourished in the regional centre of Paquimé from 1200-1400 AD. Paquimé is the largest known ancient Puebloan town and was a massive trade centre that specialized in exotic goods like macaws, turquoise, and sea shells. It was also a major producer of ceramics, which are characterized by complex geometric designs. The jagged triangles on this vessel possibly represent wings of a bird. Birds like macaws and turkeys were not eaten but bred for their plumage and ritual purposes, but other birds like quails were a common source of food.