Pair of antique terracotta Octopus Traps or Pots

A pair of simple handmade terracotta pots, each one with a unique pattern of encrustation inlaid with oyster shells, seashells, fossils and tiny corals. Having spent many years in the sea they are beautifully aged and have a wonderful natural beauty to their organic surface and patination.

History ~
Early 19th century, Portugal. These pots were designed to catch octopus. Each pot was tied with a rope around its neck and has a small hole on its side to ensure that it would quickly sink to the sea depths. Made in a simple and quite crude style the pots were designed to replicate nooks in rocks on the sea bed and their terracotta surface also appealed to octopuses - who were drawn into them thinking they would be safe. Once the fishermen hauled the ropes up the hole in the side would be used to squirt water through, forcing the octopus out of its pot.

Condition ~
Good antique condition, no chips or cracks. Every surface on each pot is different.

Dimensions ~
H 25 | Diameter of rim 13 cm
H 25 | Diameter of rim 13 cm