151

151: A Pre-Columbian Maya Polychrome Cylinder Vase

Currency:USD Category:Antiquities Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 2,750.00 USD
151: A Pre-Columbian Maya Polychrome Cylinder Vase
Of a type from the Peten region of ancient Guatemala and/or Belize, circa 600 A.D. – 900 A.D. This example measures approximately 7 5/8” tall by about 5” wide and features painted decoration in a reddish orange and black/brown against a cream/white slip. It features a rare frontal depiction of what is believed to represent the Maya “Wits” Mountain deity, including influence from Teotihuacan-inspired “butterfly” (or large moth) imagery in the plumage above the head/nose. Maya iconography typically shows figures in side/profile view- frontal depictions are rare, and this is an example of a rare type known to show that view. Other interpretations suggest that this may be an alternative representation of a frontal view of Chac/Tlaloc. It is likely associated with the Wits Mountain deity concept because the ancient Maya believed mountain caves were entrances to the underworld, with the cave imagery symbolized in the gaping mouth (maw) of the figure shown here. The Maya also rendered such depictions on their temples/pyramid entrances, which were built to mirror mountain imagery.

Provenance: Former Florida, USA collection. Before that, part of an old Indiana, USA collection.