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159: A Pre-Columbian Maya Plumbate Vessel w/ Face

Currency:USD Category:Antiquities Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 450.00 USD
159: A Pre-Columbian Maya Plumbate Vessel w/ Face
Mexico, Mayan Territories, ca. the Terminal Classic – early Post Classic Period, 800 A.D. – 1200 A.D. This example measures about 3 ½"H x 3 ¼”W, and features a prominent face on one side, showing elaborate adornments. Importantly, this orangeware “plumbate” vessel features a lead-based glaze, which was a significant achievement at the time. Fired pottery exhibiting a true “glaze” on the surface was truly a rare achievement in Pre-Columbian times, practically unique to pottery of this type, from this time-period and region. Plumbate vessels are believed to have technologically arisen from Toltec influence into Maya regions late in the Classic Period, persisting well into the Post Classic Period of Maya civilization. These vessels are also consistently fired at very high temperatures (necessary to achieve the “plumbate” glaze), which is no small accomplishment itself in the context of ancient pottery making.

Provenance: Former Fort Knox Antiquities, a reputable Arizona, USA dealer.