01 Photograph Gallery

02 Object Information

Description

Phytomorphic vessel with the effigy of a pumpkin, featuring natural details such as grooves that separate the fruit into eight sections, a grooved long stem (which shapes the insufflation tube formerly known as the “spout”), and a short stem in the center of the vessel’s body.

Polished orange-slipped surface with a concave bottom. Guatemalan Highlands.

Commentary

Although the Cultural Property Register lists it as being from the Highlands of Guatemala and dated to the Classic period (250-900 AD), its characteristics suggest that it could correspond to the Pacific coast of Guatemala and to the Middle to Late Preclassic period (600 BC -250 AD).

Period

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

Provenance

Guatemalan Highlands

Medium / Material

Clay

Technique

Modeled, Painting, Polished, Slip

Dimensions

Maximum height: 13.5 cm
Mouth Diameter: 7 cm
Maximum width: 17 cm
Tube length 10.5 cm

03 References and Exhibitions

References to similar objects

FLAAR Photographic Archive.
Güicoy, Cucurbita pepo, in the Mayan ceramic sequence of Petén.
Online Reference.

Exhibitions

On loan at the Popol Vuh Museum (2009 – 2011)

“MAYA, FROM DAWN TO DUST” (MAYA de l’aube au crépuscule). Musée du quai Branly in Paris, France (June 21 – October 2, 2011)

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

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

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

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

Publications

1. The World of the Mayan Artist is Presented.” El Quetzalteco Newspaper.  Wednesday August 14, 2013. Page 11.

2. “The Pre-Columbian Culture Shines”.  Culture Section. Prensa Libre newspaper. Tuesday February 5, 2013. Page 46.

3. “A Look at the Mayan Artist.” El Periódico Newspaper. Monday February 11, 2013.

4. Magazine. MAYA from l’aube au crépuscule. Connaissance des Arts, No. 497. 2011. Page 34. Paris, France.

5. MAYA Catalog of l’aube au crépuscule. 2011. Page 201. Paris.

6. “The Mayan Roots of the Guatemalan Gastronomy.” Guatemalan Institute of Tourism -INGUAT-. 2012. Page 23.

7. “What did the Mayans eat? ContraPoder Magazine.