MIMBRES
89
FIG. 9 (left): Bowl with
abstraction of unfurling
datura bud.
Mimbres, New Mexico.
AD 850–1150.
Ceramic. D: 28 cm.
Private collection.
Photo © 2018 Museum Associates/
LACMA.
FIG. 10 (left): Unfurling
datura bud.
Photo: Richard Ehrlich.
FIG. 11 (below): Bowl with
abstract clusters of datura
buds and leaves.
Mimbres, New Mexico.
AD 850–1150.
Ceramic. L: 37.5 cm.
Private collection.
Photo © 2018 Museum Associates/
LACMA.
they suggest that these designs reference the datura
plant itself, its pollinators, and the brain-generated,
entoptic forms associated with its ingestion.
Depictions of datura may include various
renditions of furled and unfurled fl owers (fi gs. 9
and 10), as well as seedpods (fi gs. 12 and 13) and
leaves (fi g. 11). Berlant and Maurer also interpret
several other motifs as depicting other desert fl ora
such as desert tobacco and evening primrose (fi gs.
3, 5 and 7), which are also known for their potential
mind-altering and medicinal properties, and
ones that may relate to fermented consumption,
including agave and prickly pear.
Mimbres references to datura are not limited
to depictions of the plant itself but extend to its
pollinators, most notably hawkmoths and bats.
Berlant and Maurer point out that hawkmoths
are closely associated with the plant. They lay
their eggs on the underside of leaves and, when
hatched, the larvae eat the leaves and descend
as caterpillars into the ground around the roots
to form a chrysalis, later emerging as moths to
dry their wings at the top of the plant before continuing
the cycle. The ancient Mimbres clearly
observed this lifecycle and included depictions of
the hawkmoth in its various forms on their bowls
(fi gs. 14, 15, 18, and 19). A second notable datu-