01 Photograph Gallery

02 Object Information

Description

Phytomorphic effigy vessel with the shape of a pataxte pod or fruit (Theobroma bicolor), a variety of cocoa. The surface has a series of vermiculations resembling the natural fruit. Remnants of orange paint on light orange slip.

It is possible that the dried fruit of a natural pataxte pod was used as a mold.

Late Preclassic.

Period

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

Provenance

Pacific Coast of Guatemala

Medium / Material

Clay

Technique

Modeled, Molded

Dimensions

Height: 9 cm
Length: 12.5 cm
Width:7.5 cm
Mouth diameter: 5.5 cm

03 References and Exhibitions

References to similar objects

Similar vessel in the collection of  La Ruta Maya Foundation with Cultural Property Registry No. 1.2.144.0389

Exhibitions

1. On loan at the Popol Vuh Museum, Francisco Marroquín University (March 17, 2009-June 28, 2012)

2. “THE WORLD OF THE MAYAN ARTIST.” Spanish Cooperation Training Center. Antigua Guatemala (February 3 – June 16, 20

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

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

5. “FLAVORS OF MESOAMERICA: The Pre-Columbian origin of regional gastronomy.” Spanish Cooperation Training Center, Antigua Guatemala (August 14, 2014- January 5, 2015)

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

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

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

Publications

1. “Presentation of the World of the Mayan Artist.” El Quezalteco Newspaper. Wednesday, August 14, 2013. Page 11.

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

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

4. “The Mayan Roots of Guatemalan Gastronomy.” Guatemalan Institute of Tourism -INGUAT-. 2012. Page 50.

5. “The Flavors of Mesoamerica are on exhibition in Antigua Guatemala” in Siglo XXI newspaper. August 22, 2014.