01 Photograph Gallery

02 Object Information

Description

Tetrapod bowl decorated with relief figures of two spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyii) arranged on opposite sides of the vessel, with arms and legs outstretched as if climbing the vessel’s wall.

The ceramic is orange with Usulután decoration, covered with polychrome stucco (green, red, black, white, and yellow), a tradition that began in Kaminaljuyú during the Early Classic period. The stucco decoration also features geometric figures and scrolls.

* The vessel has diverging walls, a concave bottom, and mammiform supports with a hole and rattle. The rim has a lip molding.

Commentary

* The Cultural Property Register lists this piece as originating from the Highlands during the Early Classic period (250-400 AD). Due to its characteristics, its possible place of origin is uncertain, though it could also be the Pacific coast.

* The vessel and its original ceramic decoration date from the Late Preclassic period.

Period

PRECLASSIC (2500 BC-150/200 AD) Late Preclassic (400 BC-150/200 AD).

Provenance

Pacific Coast of Guatemala

Medium / Material

Clay, Stucco

Technique

Appliqué / application, Modeled, Painting

Dimensions

Height: 21 cm
Diameter: 29 cm

03 References and Exhibitions

References to similar objects

Exhibitions

“FLORA AND FAUNA OF THE MAYAN WORLD.” ArteCentro “Graciela Andrade de Paiz.” Historic District, Guatemala City (February 28–June 16, 2013)

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

Piece exhibited at the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta (October 4, 2015).

Exhibited in the lobby of Financiera de Occidente (November 2016–May 2017)

“PRE-COLUMBIAN BIODIVERSITY: The Mysteries of the Jungle.” Spanish Cooperation Training Center, Antigua Guatemala (August 17, 2017–February 25, 2018)

Publications

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.

 “Inauguran Exposición: Fauna del Mundo Maya”. XelaGuía, abril 2013. 

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