|
HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Mayan Bowls, Plates and Vessels : Mayan Polychrome Bowl
|
 |
|
|
|
Mayan Polychrome Bowl - PF.5650
Origin: El Salvador
Circa: 300
AD
to 900
AD
Dimensions:
2.5" (6.4cm) high
x 7.75" (19.7cm) wide
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
$1,200.00
Location: United States
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
The majority of the painting on this vessel is
dedicated to a sequence of glyphs. A swirling
wave-like glyph repeated three times fills a band
on the interior rim of the bowl. This glyph is
attached on the left to another glyph that looks
like the letter “C.” Various black and red rings
frame this band of Mayan text. The exterior is
decorated by an upper band of glyphs, while the
lower half of the bowl is adorned by a pattern of
red and black overlapping semicircles imitating
the scales of a fish or serpent. The same band of
glyphs appears above as on the inside, only this
time reversed. What was the relationship
between these symbols? What do they stand for?
There was a level of sophistication achieved in
the Mayan alphabet that, unfortunately, we are
unable to fully comprehend its subtle intricacies.
Discovered inside of a tomb, buried alongside a
fallen ruler or dignitary, this vessel was as
essential in the afterlife as it was in this world.
- (PF.5650)
|
| |
|
