A Large Maya Incensario Pottery Urn Lid. c. 400 - 600 AD...

Description

A Large Maya Incensario Pottery Urn Lid
c. 400 - 600 AD

This is the upper half of a two-piece ritual incense burner (the chimney portion), formed of an elaborately embellished dome, which has strong Teotihuacan artistic influences, as is frequently exhibited in the artwork from the Maya of southern Guatemala. This decorative example shows a small idealized Teotihuacan face wearing large ear flares and a nose ornament, all framed within large slab panels that create a massive headdress. A rectangular offering box is incorporated in the headdress, appliqués recreating a butterfly image decorate the highest panel, a central shield emblem is on the lower front, and the lord's hands extend outward, one with an elaborate staff bearing fruits or yams, and the other holding a bottle decorated with beading and plumes. The lord depicted is making an offering to the gods; by making ritual offerings and through the use of burning copal, he hopes to appease. Found in Esquintla, Guatemala.

Provenance:
Purchased by the current owner from Edward H. Merrin Gallery, New York, NY

Height: 17 ½ inches



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