Lot 216
Pre-Columbian, Honduras, Maya Culture, Ulua Valley, Late Classic Period, ca. 600 to 900 CE. A vibrant fusion of movement, music, and myth, this four-footed rattle dish from the Ulua Valley exemplifies the Maya tradition of multisensory ritual art. Shaped from finely modeled terracotta and decorated in rich polychrome, the vessel stands on four hollow legs that serve not only as supports but also as musical chambers - each designed to rattle when the bowl is lifted, tilted, or played. From the outer wall juts the head and forepaws of a zoomorphic creature, possibly a jaguar or composite spirit being, its expressive face and grasping limbs animated in high relief. The dish's broad interior is ringed by a painted frieze featuring figures in a variety of dynamic postures - some standing tall, others seated or bending, all caught in the act of ceremonial action. Framed in vertical panels and adorned with elaborate garments and headdresses, these figures form a living rhythm encircling the rim. Size: 10.9" Diameter x 4" H (27.7 cm x 10.2 cm)
At the center, a dancer takes the spotlight - arms extended in graceful motion, knees slightly bent, and elaborate streamers of cloth swirling from his waist. These are not objects held in hand, but part of his ceremonial attire, likely designed to emphasize his movements. The impression is one of fluid rhythm, suggesting this figure may be dancing to the very rattle the vessel produces - a visual echo of sound.
Ulua Valley ceramics are celebrated for their dynamic forms and narrative imagery, often blending sculpture, painting, and acoustic function. This dish, with its fusion of zoomorphic projection, ceremonial scene, and built-in sound, was likely used in performance or offering, embodying the Maya belief in the interconnectedness of art, ritual, and the senses.
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#194404
- Condition: Professionally repaired with restoration and repainting over break lines. Some minor chipping along one visible break line. Light scuffs and surface wear as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent presentation with nice pigments and detail.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |