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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Mayan Bowls, Plates and Vessels : Mayan Polychrome Bowl
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Mayan Polychrome Bowl - PF.6010
Origin: El Salvador
Circa: 500
AD
to 900
AD
Dimensions:
3.25" (8.3cm) high
x 6" (15.2cm) wide
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Style: Mayan
Medium: Terracotta
Location: United States
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| Description |
The Ancient Maya were undoubtedly the masters
of ceramics in Mesoamerica. Few cultures
anywhere in the world can compare to the level
of sophisticated artistry of the paintings and
elegant forms of the pottery that the Maya
achieved. However, when one considers that all
Mayan vessels were created without the aid of a
potter’s wheel, their achievement becomes even
that much more stunning. This vessel is a
perfect example of Mayan ceramics. When we
hold the bowl in our hands, we feel the subtle
bumps and indentations that are the telltale
signs of handcraftsmanship. While the interior
rim of the vessel has been adorned with two
black bands, the majority of the exterior has
been painted black. However, the painter
utilized the natural orange hue of the clay to
create stunning reserve designs, much like the
Ancient Greeks. A spotted black panther, with
red highlights, crouches on his hind, tongue
curling outwards as he looks backward, front
paw held in the air. While this panther motif has
been repeated twice, the spaces between them
have been filled by a large black circle framed by
a reserve orange circle with scalloped edges.
Perhaps this represents an eclipse with the rays
of the sun peeking out from behind the blocked
sun? Surely the Mayan, master of astronomy that
they were, must have been fascinated by this
natural phenomenon. While this vessel appears
to be a beautiful example of functional pottery,
there was a greater purpose for this bowl than
the transportation and containment of precious
liquids. Discovered in a tomb, buried alongside
a deceased ruler or high-ranking dignitary, this
vase was as essential in the afterlife as it was in
our world.
- (PF.6010)
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