Mayan Codex-Style Vessel, Depicts the “God Balam” Circa 650–750 Common Era - 1 Piece

Details

Description

Offered is a Mayan codex-style vessel, late classic period.

The vessel is of cylindrical form, hand constructed and thin walled, … Read more Offered is a Mayan codex-style vessel, late classic period.

The vessel is of cylindrical form, hand constructed and thin walled, decorated in black and red slip over a cream ground, bordered with red bands. The scenes depict a hybrid human and jaguar figure, headdress atop, with long hair bound by a partial jaguar pelt at base, surmounted by tied ribbons, at center a neck ornament, an ex (loin cloth) below, seated crossed leg on a throne. Decorative serpent style panels separate scenes. Origin: Southern Mexico. Period: Circa 650-750 C.E. Material: Earthenware.

Features: Monochromatic design illustrates two scenes. Scene 1: Maya glyph columns (G) on left and on right, figure’s right arm and paw extended in a gesture of supplication before an "unlit" fire stick, tufted hair atop headdress. Scene 2: G on left, right arm extended with level paw facing down before a "lit" fire stick, hair partially coiled* (as if "suspended in the air"), additional red slip accents; atop vessel (right side of throne, not present in scene 1), G on figure’s upper arms, *notably outside lines of the hair.

Interpretation: The Mayan "god Balam", is depicted, most "recognizable by the 'cruller' around the eyes (makes a loop over the nose)."(Taube). Inferred by the scene differences, a physical and spiritual transformation occurs, illustrates a fire ritual. Decorative panel design symbolizes the Mayan "god Kukulcan's" influence.

Measures: 4 D x 7 H in. (10.16 D x 17.78 H cm).

Weight: 1 pound 6.6 ounces (642 g).

Provenance: Ex-Northern California private collection, active as a collector from the 1960s - 1980s, acquired from Bill Pearson - Fine and Primitive Art, 3499 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA, circa 1970s. Private provenance available upon request.

Documentation: Original restoration receipt dated 26 September 1992, Mark Wm. Clark, New World Antiquities, 323 Geary St., Ste. 409, SF, CA.

Notes: In Mayan ceramics, transformation is frequently depicted in a sequence of images. Turning the vessel unlocks the animation embedded within.

Based upon scholarly research of Mayan art and culture, G appear in the Maya Primary Standard Sequence (PSS). If G deciphered, highly probable PSS will indicate beverage contents as cacao or corn, and the name of a jaguar priest. See less