Mayan Tripod Tribute Vessel, Depicts the Hero Twins, Late Classic Period, 600-900 Common Era - 1 Piece

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Offered is a Mayan tripod tribute vessel, depicts the Hero Twins, late classic period.

The cylindrical vessel is of tripod … Read more Offered is a Mayan tripod tribute vessel, depicts the Hero Twins, late classic period.

The cylindrical vessel is of tripod form, hand constructed, features thin and concave walls, decorated in black and red slip with red bands, rests on slab feet. The scenes depict black figures, elaborately attired with headdresses atop, ears pierced with paper, hold ceremonial sticks, yokes, elaborate footwear. Three small labels adhered to verso, marked "M - 221", "RD - 86.5.5", "#6". Origin: Peten, Guatemala. Period: 600-900 C.E. Material: Earthenware.

Features: Polychromatic design illustrates three scenes. Scene 1: Figure 1 holds a ceremonial staff, figure 2 holds a ceremonial axe, both attired with spotted feather headdresses and feathered back ornaments, elaborate footwear. Scene 2: Figure 1 head bowed with red macaw feather of headdress atop cigar 1, feet bound, seated on a red stone. Cap atop cigar 2 before figure 2. Scene 3: Figure 1 holds a ceremonial torch. Figure 2 holds a ceremonial staff. Both figures wear flamboyant ceremonial headdresses with feathers.

Interpretation: The Mayan Hero Twins (MHT), Hunahpu and Xbalanque, are depicted here as human figures, ballgame players. Inferred by the scene differences, a physical and spiritual transformation occurs, illustrates a cycle of death, sacrifice and rebirth. Scene 1: Two elite warriors, attired in ceremonial ballgame regalia, transform into the MHT, death. Scene 2: According to the Popul Vuh, the underworld's rulers gave the MHT a lit pine torch and two lit cigars. The red macaw feather of Figure 1's headdress simulates light atop cigar 1, the cap atop cigar 2 simulates fire fly illumination. The red stone seat represents a hot stove and the MHT incineration, sacrifice. Scene 3: The MHT as illustrated here, figure 1 holds a ceremonial torch, illuminated by fire flies, figure 2 sits before two light rays and a ceremonial staff, signifies their ascension, rebirth.

Measures: 7.25 D x 5.5 H inches (18.42 D x 13.97 H cm).
Weight: 1 pound 1 ounce (934 g).

Provenance: Ex-Northern California private collection, active as a collector from the 1960s - 1980s, acquired from Stendhal Galleries,* 7055-65 Hillside Ave, Hollywood, CA. Private provenance available upon request.

Documentation: Photocopies of *Stendal Galleries receipt, typed and hand signed by Ronald W. Dammann, 14 November 1986.

Note: Turning Maya ceramics unlocks the animation embedded in their imagery. The motion of rotating the vessel animates the MHT cycle of death, sacrifice, and rebirth, as recorded in the Popul Vuh. See less