01 Photograph Gallery

02 Object Information

Description

Polychrome vase decorated with a scene in which four (4) characters appear interacting: two (2) young women and two (2) old men, paired in couples.

In the scene, the women, probably representations of the Moon Goddess, are richly attired in long dresses or huipiles, as well as cloth headdresses tied upwards. They wear jewelry and appear to be touching or holding the old men at the waist.

The men, who may represent the Old God, fill vessels with some preparation stored in two large jars. Both wear maxtlatl, or a hip cloth made of white and red fabric, tied with a knot in the front.

*Similar scenes have been interpreted as being part of enema rituals.

Period

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

Provenance

Maya Lowlands

Medium / Material

Clay

Technique

Modeled, Painting, Slip

Dimensions

Height: 23.8 cm
Diameter:: 13.4 cm

03 References and Exhibitions

References to similar objects

* A vase with the same theme is the polychrome vase with Cultural Property Registry No. 1.2.144.1241 in the custody of La Ruta Maya Foundation.

* A vase with the same theme is vase K956, published by Justin Kerr at https://research.mayavase.com/kerrmaya_hires.php?vase=956

* A vase with the same theme is vase K5005 (in the collection of the De Young Museum, San Francisco, CA; with museum number 1988.30.1.) published by Justin Kerr at https://research.mayavase.com/kerrmaya_hires.php?vase=5005

Exhibitions

Object displayed in the Príncipe Maya Museum (Cobán, Alta Verapaz) until the collection was transferred to La Ruta Maya Foundation in October 2010.

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

2. “THE HUMAN FIGURE AND BODY DECORATION IN PRE-COLUMBIAN TIMES.” Spanish Cooperation Training Center, Antigua Guatemala (August 25, 2016 – February 26, 2017)

3. “THE PRE-COLUMBIIAN ARTIST.” Rafael Rodríguez Padilla National School of Visual Arts (September 7 – October 1, 2021)

Publications