Sherd
Physical Object
1986.008.0811b
Nuestra Señora de Atocha (1622)
circa 1620
Pieces of a creamy-white earthenware from Atocha bear the molded, embossed likeness of a soldier wearing a hat, ruff collar, jacket, and breeches. He holds an axe-style halberd in his right hand, with his left hand on his hip. The figure is surrounded by a pattern of incised lines and embossed florets. The fragments appear to have come from a rounded jar. This type of ceramic is called bizcocho (biscuit) ware, a fine, unglazed, earthenware paste that has little evidence of temper. It appears that the surface of this piece was carefully smoothed before being decorated. One of three pieces from the same jar. See also 1986.008.0811a, c.