The summit of the classical age in Ancient
Meso-America, was reached by the Mayans in
their great temple cities. In those temple cities,
great artistic expressions such as murals and
sculptures flourished. It is during this classical
period in which artists refined their skills to
represent the human forms, deities, and other
symbolic art works. Used in various rituals and
ceremonies, their art embodied rich symbolism,
laden with complex meanings, which largely
remained esoteric. Carved skillfully of green
stone, this ceremonial dagger radiates with its
simple and graceful beauty. The dark green
color of the stone accentuates the sharp contour
shape of the dagger, and the peaked triangular
shape of the knife's point is very poignant. The
top of the dagger is decorated with a portrayal of
Mayan face which displays the characteristic
Mayan facial features--the heavy lidded eyes,
high cheek bones, hooked nose, and the fleshy
lips. It also wears a long, curved headdress that
stands high on top of the head. Such beautiful
sculpture most likely was created for a special
function, perhaps for the use in rituals or as a
ritual offering. Mayans religiously performed
sacrificial rituals in which they offered humans
and prized animals to please their gods. Whether
the dagger was actually used in sacrifices or was
offered as a valuable item, its beauty and special
quality are still clear to us. Once held ardently
by an ancient Mayan hand, this dagger embodies
fascination, mystery and the esoteric history of
Maya. L. 31cm(12 1/8IN)
- (PF.3552)
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