A Maya Standing Figure...

Description

A Maya Standing Figure
Mesoamerica, Late Classic, c. 700-900 AD

This shows the characteristics of small ceramic figurines made in the region of Northern Campeche and the island of Jaina. From there they were traded throughout the Maya regions. Here we have a standing male looking through the mouth of a jaguar helmet mask, he wears wrist guards and shin guards in the form of jaguar paws. From a large necklace is suspended a skull. His gloved hands are held out in front as though he once grasped a thick pole or carried a ball. From painted ceramics and murals we know that both warriors and ball players would wear such a costume in parades or other ancient Maya ceremonies. He is fashioned from a grainier type of clay compared to most figurines from Northern Campeche. In good condition, repaired and restored from approximately five original parts, end of nose restored, two small drill hoes from a TL test. With a metal base and an acrylic display case.

Accompanied by a scientific TL (thermoluminescence) analysis of the clay body indicating that this is 1100 years old (i. e., circa 900 AD +/- 25 years).

Provenance:
Ardeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, c. 1960s

Height: 9 inches

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