Ceramic: McElmo Black-on-white votive plate AZRU1-1021

McElmo Black-on-white, votive plate, Accession AZRU-00001 Catalog #1021, Morris FS 5478. Analyzed by Lori Reed 2011. Vessel form is a shallow plate with single handle attached; offset painted zoomorphic figure suggests use as a votive container. The head, neck, and right arm of the zoomorphic figure is a restoration of the plate using tinted plaster or other material and commercial paint. Original shape of head is unknown. Measurements: 20.1 cm diameter, 3.8 cm height. Image AZRU1-1021 A: interior view showing painted zoomorphic figure (frog or lizard). Image AZRU1-1021 B: closeup of zoomorphic figure. Image AZRU1-1021 C: closeup of zoomorphic figure. AZRU1-1021 D: interior view. AZRU1-1021 E: oblique view of vessel shape. Recovered from Earl Morris' excavation of Room 193, Aztec West Ruin. Earl Morris’ description of Room 193 at the time of excavation is as follows. “….refuse that had been deposited on the second floor, including fragments of a considerable number of very fine medium-sized water jars and mugs that were shattered, possibly intentionally, judging from their number and the fact that they were practically new and of the same potter. Another atypical Chaco water jar had the entire surface completely hidden by a coat of lacquer bearing an elaborate design in yellow, red, and black” (Morris 1928:362). Reference: Earl Morris, 1928, Notes on Excavations in the Aztec Ruin, Volume XXVI, Part V, Anthropological Papers of the American Museum of Natural History, New York.