Diminutive tripod legs slightly elevate this vessel
off the ground. The sides are decorated with a
scene, repeated three times, that is both carved
in a openwork pattern as well as engraved.
These scenes, although highly stylized, almost to
the point of abstraction, seem to depicts a face
in profile, looking left, casting a down turned
eye. The rest of the scene is filled with abstract
geometric lines featuring many openwork gaps.
What was the purpose of this vessel? Similar
pieces were undoubtedly used as cups, however,
considering that several holes permeate the
surface of this work, it was definitely not used
for the ritual consumption of beverages. Perhaps
then, it may have contained an offering of a
different kind, such as food or other sacred
libations. May it once have been full of corn and
presented to the maize god high upon his
temple? While the original function of this vessel
remains, like much about the Maya, a mystery,
we can easily comprehend it stunning beauty and
fascinating history. This gorgeous small
container is a relic of an ancient civilization that
inspires us to imagine what life might have been
like in the jungles of their lost world.
- (PF.6270)
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