A Maya Codex-Style Vase...

Description

A Maya Codex-Style Vase
Mesoamerica, Classic Period, c. 600-850 AD

Earthenware with a cream color background framed at top and bottom with red bands. Below a row of hieroglyphic texts are two dynamic images of the ancient Maya 'War Serpent", a version of the Maya deity Kulkulkan (Quetzalcoatl to the the Aztecs), a multifaceted figure associated with conquest, visions, and creativity. Epigrapher and Maya art historian Michael Coe has translated the nine glyphs as: "Here it is / His writing / [a dedication to an undetermined female deity] / [the scribe's name] / On the surface / Of the vase / For the holding of / Cacao (chocolate)." In very good condition, a professional restoration 1¼ x 2 inches at the glyph of the animal head with spiral eye and oval ear.

Provenance:
A Private Collection, Scottsdale, AZ
The Huber Collection, New York, NY
Walter Knox, Scottsdale, AZ

Published:
Justin Kerr, The Maya Vase Database, 1999, #3366

Height: 4 ½ inches

More Information: Condition: In very good condition. Under blacklight all that appears is a 1 1/4 x 2 inch professional restoration at the glyph of an animal head with spiral eye pupil and oval ear.


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