Maya Melon Effigy Lidded Head Jar...

Description

Maya Melon Effigy Lidded Head Jar

Maya, Highlands
C. 400-600 AD
Painted Terra Cotta
8¼" Tall x 7" Wide

The jar is two parts and depicts an agricultural deity combined with a melon or squash effigy. The spherical jar and lid have original long alternating black and red vertical striping, the lid with a paneled handle painted with an organic image, and one side of the vessel with a large face bordered by a tufted band with ornaments, series of dots along the ears, decorated earflares, the septum with nose ornaments, and wide open mouth showing tonsils and tongue, the sides with a painted stripe in black. A very unusual vessel, the lid fits nearly perfectly, and both pieces intact, excellent condition with original pigments and interior with encrustations.

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