01 Photograph Gallery

02 Object Information

Description

Codex-style tripod vase  (red and black on cream) decorated with the image of the Death God A’, interacting with another unidentified underworld figure, whose feathered headdress and femur bones are visible.

The vase features secondary glyphic texts and a horizontal red band above and below the rim, as well as around the lower rim next to the bottom.

Curved-divergent wall, rounded lip, flat bottom and button supports.

* Former “Príncipe Maya” Museum Collection, Cobán, Alta Verapaz

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: 12.5 cm
Diameter: 11 cm

03 References and Exhibitions

References to similar objects

Codex-style pottery is a prime example of ceramic pictorial art, distinguished by its delicate calligraphic lines that highlights the artist’s mastery. Vessels of this style have red rims and complex scenes executed with fine black or brown lines on a cream background, with finely executed hieroglyphic texts with calligraphic clarity.

Its region of manufacture and distribution, between 672 and 751 AD, was northern Petén, in the area surrounding El Mirador and Calakmul. It has also been found at other sites such as La Muerta, El Tintal, Nakbé, El Porvenir, and Zacatal.

Its name derives from its resemblance to the colors and decoration of Maya codices, the folded books made of amate bark paper, and was given by archaeologist Michael Coe, author of the book “The Maya Scribe and His World” (1973).

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

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

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

4. “TREASURES OF THE MAYAN SPIRIT.” Interbanco Art Gallery, Quetzaltenango (September 8 – November 10, 2014)

5. “TREASURES OF THE MAYAN SPIRIT THROUGH TIME.” ARTECENTRO Graciela Andrade de Paiz, Historic district, Guatemala City (May 21 – October 19, 2015)

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

Publications

* “Presentan el Mundo del Artista Maya”.  Diario El Quezalteco.  Miércoles 14 de agosto 2013. Página 11.

* “Cultura Prehispánica Resplandece”. Sección Cultura. Prensa Libre.  Martes 5 febrero 2013. Página 46.

* “Mirada al Artista Maya”. Diario El Periódico. Lunes 11 febrero 2013.