Early and Rare Tabira Polychrome Canteen

from the Salinas Pueblos, possibly Las Humanas Pueblo, of massive scale, painted in two shades of matte brown against a grayish slip, with a bird, its head in profile, wings and tail feathers spread, and talons extended.

Robert Gallegos Collection, Albuquerque, NM

Robert Whiteside Collection, Phoenix, AZ

Sotheby's New York, November 200, lot 81

Acquired from Morning Star Gallery, Santa Fe, NM in 2001

The neck eroded and partially missing with two crack down the sides. Stable. the lower part of theback worn; two areas of th eback have popped out.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The rounded projection emerging from the center of the canteen face and positioned on the body of the eagle suggests that it was intended to represent the bird's penis. A Sikyatki polychrome canteen (ca. 1400-1625) with a similar projection, but in this case representing the nose of a kachina figure, is in the collection of the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.