01 Photograph Gallery

02 Object Information

Description

Style: Teotihuacan
Technique: Clay with traces of polychromy (traces of red)
Origin: Pacific Coast of Guatemala, region of Tiquisate and La Gomera, Escuintla

Urn or censer decorated with a relief effigy depicting a figure adorned with a trapezoidal nose ornament and body jewelry, probably a warrior.

The most striking feature is the headdress, which resembles a bird-shaped helmet with an open beak, within which the character’s face is framed—suggesting a symbolic fusion between human and animal.

The use of the mask and nose ornament, along with the presence of ornamental elements, reinforces the ritual nature of the object, possibly linked to ceremonial or funerary practices. Traces of red pigment remain, indicating that the original decoration was more elaborate.

*Piece voluntarily donated by Mr. Hector Santamarina Herrera

Period

CLASSIC (150/200 A.D.-900 A.D.) Early Classic (150/200- 650 AD).

Provenance

Pacific Coast of Guatemala

Medium / Material

Clay

Technique

Appliqué / application, Modeled, Molded, Painting

Dimensions

Height: 41.5 cm
Diameter: 36.5 cm

03 References and Exhibitions

References to similar objects

Exhibitions

1. “TREASURES OF THE MAYAN SPIRIT.” LA Art & Antique Show. LA Convention Center, California (January 4–9, 2014)

2. “TREASURES OF THE MAYAN SPIRIT.” Interbanco Art Gallery, Quetzaltenango (September 8–November 10, 2014)

3. “TREASURES OF THE MAYAN SPIRIT THROUGH TIME.” ARTECENTRO Graciela Andrade de Paiz, Historic Center, Guatemala City (May 21–October 19, 2015)

4. Seguros de Occidente (November 2015–November 2016)

5. Seguros de Occidente (August 2017–February 2018)

6. “EFFIGY VESSELS: FACES AND FORMS.” Spanish Cooperation Training Center, Antigua Guatemala (August 30, 2018 – February 24, 2019)

7. Piece displayed in the lobby of the Hyatt Centric Guatemala Hotel since October 7, 2020

Publications