ceramic faces

West African symbolism pervades this lovely ceramic vase by Samuel Lovi. Both richly textured faces are centered with a medallion bearing the funtunfunefu denkyemfunefu adinkra symbol. Depicting Siamese crocodiles, funtunfunefu denkyemfunefu represents democracy and unity in diversity. Lovi names the design Agor, a Ewe word meaning "Fruit."

Evoking a mask, Samuel Lovi crafts a vase with faces that gaze in both directions. A gecko poses on the forehead, giving the design its name. Bright colors cover the ceramic vessel, and raffia earrings adorn it.

Carrying great significance for many pre-Hispanic cultures, the dog is paid homage in this sculpture from Mexico. Crafted from reddish brown ceramic by artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association, this charming canine is depicted in a seated posture, wearing a grinning mask over its face. A clay rub gives this sculpture a rustic finish, as if it had been retrieved from a dig site.

These delightful ceramic owl figurines by Guatemala’s Jose Arriola bring ancient Mayan wisdom straight to your space with their vibrant colors and endearing family grouping. Each tecolote—the beautiful náhuatl term for owl—showcases intricate hand-painted details that emerge from the region's time-honored ceramic traditions. Artisans masterfully shape and fire these charming accessories using traditional high-temperature techniques with charcoal and wood-fueled grills, creating sturdy companions that radiate warmth and cultural authenticity. The trio's expressive faces and rich glazes make them perfect for adding personality to shelves, desks or anywhere you want a touch of Central American artistry.

Serving as spiritual leaders as well as porters, tatas were an important part of ancient Mayan culture. El Salvador's Oscar Rodolfo Mendoza creates this Mayan tata mask, which is handcrafted from ceramic and painted by hand with natural brown and red pigments derived from the achiote plant. The tata wears face paint, a spotted headdress, and round earrings. A nylon cord on the back allows this mask to be hung on a wall.