01 Photograph Gallery

02 Object Information

Description

Zoomorphic effigy vessel with the figure of an armadillo lying on its left side.

The head, legs, ears, and ringed tail are visible, elaborately decorated with grooves and appliqués. The body consists of 15 “plates.”

Vessel with a diverging neck and lip molding.

Period

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

Provenance

Maya Lowlands

Medium / Material

Clay

Technique

Grooving, Incised, Modeled

Dimensions

Height: 9 cm
Maximum diameter: 15.5 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. “FLORA AND FAUNA OF THE MAYAN WORLD.” Graciela Andrade de Paiz Art Center, Historic District, Guatemala City (February 28–June 16, 2013)

3. “FAUNA OF THE MAYAN WORLD.” Interbanco Art Gallery, Quetzaltenango (September 10–October 31, 2013)

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

5. “PRE-CLUMBIAN BIODIVERSITY, THE MYSTERIES OF THE JUNGLE.” Spanish Cooperation Training Center, Antigua Guatemala (August 17, 2017 – February 25, 2018)

6. “JOURNEY TO THE MAYAN WORLD.” Centra Norte Shopping Center, Guatemala City (September 1 to November 2, 2021)

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

Publications

1. Testimony in Stone and Clay. The Natural Environment is Reflected in the Exhibition “Flora and Fauna in the Mayan World.” Culture Section, Prensa Libre, Wednesday, April 3, 2013. Page 38.

2. “Exhibition: Fauna of the Mayan World Inaugurated.” Article in XelaGuía.

3. “Pre-Hispanic Fauna. In Their Struggle for Subsistence, the Ancestors Were Not Alone.” Revista D Magazine. Prensa Libre. February 10, 2013. Pages 18-21.

4. “Mayan Art in El Salvador.” Prensa Libre, Culture Section. Thursday, March 3, 2009