Lot 13
Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A remarkable pottery cylinder vessel adorned with a band of nicely preserved relief glyphs above 2 painted heads of a zoomorphic deity, perhaps K'awil or God K - the Maya deity of lightning, serpents, fertility, and maize - due to the huge eyes and pendulous nose. K'awil (also spelled K'awiil) is oftentimes linked to the maize god, particularly the Tonsured Maize God phenotype, as well as Chaac (also spelled Chac and Chaak) the Rain God given his connections with lightning. Alternatively, the glyph motifs, a form of Maya script, are comprised of symbols that represent sounds and concepts - here they may convey an ancient Mayan message regarding the ownership or use of this vessel. Size: 4.8" Diameter x 7" H (12.2 cm x 17.8 cm)
Residue analysis on vessels like this one show that they were used for drinking chocolate, a hugely popular and ritual practice amongst the Maya, especially the elite. Although we know little about the artisans who made vessels like this one, we do know that cylinder jars are often associated with tombs, sometimes ritually broken. Prominent Mayanist Michael Coe has connected the scenes depicted upon the most important of these vessels with the sixteenth century Maya written epic, the Popol Vuh, which describes Maya religion and mythology, as this one does.
Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010
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#175083
- Condition: Professionally repaired with some chipping and one small area of loss along visible break lines. Some minor nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age. Possible areas of overpainting. Otherwise, very nice presentation with nice remaining decoration.
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