Bear Effigy Pot c. 1160 - 1260

The Casas Grandes people created this ceramic bear effigy pot with painted slip, but we do not know when. These kinds of vessels often served ritual or ceremonial purposes and would have been indispensable in daily life. The figure has a full belly, a snout, and a wide-open expression. This bear sits with its front paws resting on its legs as if observing us. The red and black geometric patterns painted onto the figure may be more than decoration. These visual elements might signify the bear’s spirit and its connection with the cosmos. Bears are powerful symbols in many cultures; they stand for strength, healing, introspection, and connection with the earth. Here, the artist may have tried to embody the spirit of the bear, offering a tangible link to both the natural and supernatural realms. This pot reminds us of the deep connection that people have had with the natural world for millennia.