Zoomorphic mold to make figurines with the image of a bird, possibly a toucan (Genus Ramphastos) due to its large beak and slightly bulging body.

However, a small crest on the head stands out, so there is no certainty of the species. The mold shows the bird in profile and highlights the shape of the plumage, the eye and the beak.

Molds were used especially for the mass production of clay figurines and vessels, many of which required the printing of certain features in relief, which could be easily achieved with molds. The final details were usually done by hand.

Height: 14 cm
Width: 13 cm

1.Piece exhibited at the Príncipe Maya Museum (Cobán, Alta Verapaz) until the collection was transferred to the Maya Foundation in October 2010.

2. “FLORA Y FAUNA DEL MUNDO MAYA”. Artecentro “Graciela Andrade de Paiz”. Centro Histórico, ciudad de Guatemala (febrero 28–junio 16, 2013)

3. Financiera de Occidente (mayo- noviembre 2014)

4. “BIODIVERSIDAD PREHISPÁNICA, LOS MISTERIOS DE LA SELVA. Centro de Formación de la Cooperación Española, Antigua Guatemala (agosto 17, 2017- febrero 25, 2018)

5. Biblioteca del Edificio CIT de la Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (Sección de Colecciones Especiales). Lote #3 por Tiempo indefinido a partir del 10 de marzo de 2022.

Van Stone, Mark and Paul Johnson. 2022. “MAYA MOLD MADE: Virtual Impressions of Ancient Figurine Molds in the Ruta Maya Foundation Collection”. Tlacaélel Press, San Diego, California. 430 pp

“Testimonio en Piedra y Barro. El Entorno Natural se refleja en Exposición Flora y Fauna en el Mundo Maya”. Sección Cultura Prensa Libre, miércoles 3 de abril 2013. Página 38.

“Fauna Prehispánica. En su lucha por la subsistencia los ancestros no estaban solos”. Revista D. Prensa Libre.  10 febrero del 2013. Páginas 18 – 21.