01 Photograph Gallery

02 Object Information

Description

Polychrome plate decorated in shades of red, black, and dark orange over a light orange background. At the center, a seated male figure is depicted in right profile, holding a bowl.

His attire includes round earspools, a necklace of spherical beads, tubular wristbands, and a red hip cloth. Although he lacks a headdress, his hair is gathered with decorative elements, suggesting a stylized and intentional presentation.

The plate’s form—with conical supports, flaring walls, and a flat base—corresponds to a common typology in the Maya region, used in both domestic and ceremonial contexts. The presence of the human figure at the center reinforces the symbolic dimension of the object, evoking scenes of courtly life or acts of offering.

Period

CLASSIC (150/200 A.D.-900 A.D.)

Provenance

Maya Lowlands

Medium / Material

Clay

Technique

Grooving, Modeled, Painting

Dimensions

Height: 8 cm
Diameter: 35.6 cm

03 References and Exhibitions

References to similar objects

Exhibitions

1. “MAYAN ART AND NATURE THROUGH TIME.” David J. Guzmán National Museum of Anthropology, El Salvador (February 26–May 24, 2009)

2. “FLAVORS OF MESOAMERICA: The Pre-Hispanic Origin of Regional Gastronomy.” Spanish Cooperation Training Center, Antigua Guatemala (August 14, 2014–January 5, 2015)

3. Piece exhibited in the lobby of the Hyatt Centric Guatemala Hotel from October 8, 2020, to April 4, 2025.

4. “FLAVORS OF MESOAMERICA.” LATAM Quetzaltenango Hotel, Xelajuj Noj (May 30, 2025–May 30, 2026)

Publications