01 Photograph Gallery

02 Object Information

Description

Polychrome vessel for drinking cacao. Two characters, identified as the Hero Twins, hold a bundle possibly containing ritual paraphernalia such as a feather headdress and a mask or trophy head as part of a ritual attire. One of them, identified as Jun Ahaw, is distinguished by the marks on his shoulders and holds the objects in an offering position. The other character, who could be Yax Balam, holds what might be a waterlily. Both wear feather headdresses with a waterlily flower.

The text indicates that it is a vessel for drinking cacao, probably a “frothy” drink. Due to its characteristics, this vessel could have been made in a pottery workshop along the San Pedro Mártir River or further south, and dedicated to a noble or a namesake of the last ruler of Dos Pilas, Sina’n? Ti’ K’awiil, or alternatively to Sina’n? Ti’ Kuuy, the king of Xultún or a namesake of him.

(Text and transcription courtesy of Epigrapher Guido Krempel, University of Bonn. 2013.

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: 17.8 cm
Diameter: 14.4 cm

03 References and Exhibitions

References to similar objects

Transcription document by and references of other vessels by epigrapher Guido Krempel  (University of Bonn) in PDF.

Exhibitions

1. “THE WORLD OF THE MAYA ARTIST”. Spanish Cooperation Training Center. Antigua Guatemala (February 3 – June 16, 2013)

2. “THE WORLD OF THE MAYA ARTIST”. Casa N’oj Cultural Center, Quetzaltenango (August 12 – September 6, 2013)

3. “TREASURES OF THE MAYA SPIRIT”. LA Art & Antique Show. LA Convention Center, California (January 4 – 9, 2014)

4. “TREASURES OF LA RUTA MAYA”. Quiroa gallery, Museum Walk, Casa Santo Domingo Hotel. Antigua Guatemala (August 30 – November 9, 2014)

5. “MAYA: RULERS OF THE RAINFOREST” Drents Museum, Assen, Netherlands (February 28 – September 4, 2016) Historisches Museum der Pfalz, Speyer, Germany (October 2, 2016 – April 23, 2018) Archaeological Museum of Alicante, MARQ, Spain (May 25, 2017 – January 7, 2018)

6. “MAYAS IN SANTO DOMINGO DEL CERRO”. Santo Domingo del Cerro Cultural Center, Antigua Guatemala (August 16, 2018 – April 20, 2019)

7. “MASTERPIECES OF THE PRE-COLUMBIAN ARTIST”. Santo Domingo del Cerro Cultural Center, Antigua Guatemala (from December 2019 to February 2, 2022)

8. “MASTERWORKS BY THE PRE-COLUMBIAN ARTIST.” La Ruta Maya Foundation, Guatemala City (November 6, 2024 to May 31st, 2025)

Publications

“Presentation of the World of the Maya Artist”. Diario El Quezalteco. Wednesday, August 14, 2013. Page 11.

“Pre-Hispanic Culture Shines”. Culture Section. Prensa Libre. Tuesday, February 5, 2013. Page 46.

“A Look at the Maya Artist”. Diario El Periódico. Monday, February 11, 2013.

“Treasures of The Maya Spirit”. IMS Explorer. Institute of Maya Studies. Volume 43, Issue 7.  July 2014.  Page 2.