Peter Dunham – Ph.D. Anthropology (Retired) Cleveland State University – Will present a lecture: “The Surprising Story behind the Hudson Museum’s Ancient Pot from Costa Rica”
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
100 Donald P. Corbett Hall, University of Maine, Orono
Free and open to the public
This presentation explores the storied past of a little-known ancient pot from Costa Rica in the University of Maine’s Hudson Museum. Dating to ca. AD 1350, the lavish polychrome vessel was once painted by world-renowned Costa Rican artist Francisco Zúñiga. It was also featured on two Costa Rican banknotes, as part of an effort to help ground Costa Rican national identity in the country’s rich indigenous heritage. The piece’s site of origin, date of discovery, and discoverer are revealed, along with the history of its movements that led to the Hudson Museum. In addition, species identifications are proposed for the major tropical forest creatures depicted in its striking decorations, and comparable remains are identified.
This lecture is supported in part by the Hudson Museum & the Cultural Affairs and Distinguished Lecture Series Committee.