The Morley Collection

In December 2001, the University of Kansas Anthropological Research and Cultural Collections acquired 79 Pre-Columbian artifacts donated by James R. (BA '70) and Vicki L. (Moore)(BFA '72) Morley. This donation significantly enhanced the existing Pre-Columbian collections in the ARCC's holdings.The artifacts include examples of Pre-Columbian figurines, ceramic vessels, and jade necklaces from a variety of archaeological sites in Peru and Colombia. Collectively, they reflect a wide variety of cultures and time periods and offer enormous research and aesthetic value. Jessica Craig, Archaeological Curatorial Assistant, cataloged and described the artifacts in this collection.

Selected Pre-Columbian Collections at ARCC.

A variety of vessel forms including bowls and jars are represented in the collection (Figures 1-4). The collection of decorated vessels is typified by painted geometric designs. Unique vessels in the collection include canasteros (anthropomorphic or zoomorphic jars) and an alcarraza (a double-spouted vessel). Incidently, the alcarraza is one of the oldest artifacts in the collection, dating between 300 B.C. and 300 A.D. (Labbé 1986:32).

	Figure 1 (2001.14.16) Footed, bichrome bowl Tuza cultural group; Highland Narino region; Colombia. 1250 A.D.-1500 A.D. 18cm x 18cm x 9cm
Figure 2 (2001.14.09/10) Canasteros 800 B.C.-100 B.C. 7cm x 7cm x 13cm
	Figure 3 (2001.14.17) Alcarraza Tumaco-La Tolita cultural group. Southwest coastal Colombia-northwest coastal Ecuador. 300 B.C. - 300 A.D. 15cm x 15cm x17cm

An exceptional example of a highly stylized, red-painted coquero is shown in Figure 4. A coquero is a depiction of a tobacco or coca chewer, as seen by the bulge in the cheek. The figure is usually male and is displayed sitting on a small bench or stool. The chewing of coca leaves was customary in many Pre-Columbian societies, spanning from Mexico to Peru, and is a practice still found in communities of this region today. Coca is a mild stimulant and has effects that have been compared to those of coffee. The depictions of coca and of coca-related activities, which frequent Pre-Columbian art, indicate that the plant held both day-to-day and ritual importance.

Figure 4 (2001.14.20) Coquero figurine Capuli cultural group; Highland Narino region, Colombia. 850 A.D.- 1500 A.D. 13cm x 12cm x 24cm

Two anthropomorphic figures in slab style are represented in the collection. One of these is shown in Figure 5. Both of the anthropomorphic figures have holes drilled through the noses in which metal ornaments were inserted.

Figure 5 (2001.14.36) Anthropomorphic figure Quimaya region; Colombia. 1200 A.D. - 1500 A.D. 9cm x 18cm x 23cm

The Morley collection is extensive and diverse, thereby offering enormous research potential. For example, many of the artifacts in the collection are from the same region within Colombia, but span a time period of 1500-1800 years, which begs research questions regarding the causation of changes in art style and pottery manufacture technology over time.

Acknowledgments

Jessica Craig, Archaeological Curatorial Assistant
Jeannette Blackmar, Archaeological Collections Manager

Resources on Pre-Columbian art and culture:

Bray, Warwick

1978 The Gold of El Dorado. The Royal Academy: Piccadilly, London.

Franch, José Alcina

1983 Pre-Columbian Art. Harry N. Abrams, Inc.: New York.

Labbé, Armand J.

1986 Colombia Before Columbus. Rizzoli International Publications, Inc.: New York.