Description:

Pre-Columbian, Guatemala, Peten, Maya, ca. 400 to 600 CE. A huge Mayan redware cylindrical pottery urn decorated with an elaborate head of the deity Chaac, the Mayan rain god and patron of agriculture. His visage is delineated with incised almond-shaped eyes framed by slightly protruding brows that meet at the bridge of his protruding nose. His headdress and the intricately composed extensions from his nose were meticulously applied. The vessel also shows traces of red, white, and ocher highlights. Chaac (also spelled Chac or the Classic Mayan Chaahk and known as Tlaloc to the Aztecs) was believed to strike the clouds with his lightning axe to inspire thunder and rain to nourish the soil and ultimately his worshippers. A wonderful pottery vessel featuring a highly symbolic iconographical program from the ancient Maya. Size: 10.5" in diameter x 8.25" H (26.7 cm x 21 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Marshall & Kay Lee, acquired at Lands Beyond Gallery, NYC, NY in the 1970s

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#112577

  • Condition: Minor nicks to forehead ridge and applique under nose. A few stable fissures and normal surface wear. Else intact and in overall remarkable condition. Impressive root marks and manganese deposits as well.

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June 2, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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