|
HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Mayan Cylindrical Vases : Babilonia Style Mayan Polychrome Zoomorphic Vessel
|
 |
|
|
|
Babilonia Style Mayan Polychrome Zoomorphic Vessel - PF.3455
Origin: San Salvador, El Salvador
Circa: 600
AD
to 900
AD
Dimensions:
10" (25.4cm) high
Catalogue: V24
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
Location: United States
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
The summit of the classical age in ancient
Mesoamerica was reached by the Maya 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 created magnificent
polychrome vessels which depict various Mayan
gods, mythological animals and hieroglyphs.
This cylindrical vessel is a fine example of such
creations. Dressed in warm earthy colors and
decorated with intricately painted figures and
mystical animals, the vessel radiates with its
subtle and yet poignant beauty. The vessel
shows human figures wearing bird masks which
have resemblance of raptorial birds that often
appear on ancient Mayan vessels. From the open
beaks of the masks, smoke is coming out in a
stylized fashion. Moreover, the figures have
lizard-like animals mounted on their backs
which retain traces of beautiful blue-gray paint.
Most interestingly, two birds' heads protrude out
from the vessel, below which stand human
figures wearing feathered costumes. The top
and bottom portion of the vessel are also
decorated with bands of human heads wearing
elaborate headdresses. The ancient Mayans
worshiped myriad of gods and magical animals
and this vessel gives us a glimpse into such a
complex world of mystical beings. The fluid,
gestural lines create a distinct visual affect,
leading our eyes around the vessel, around each
shape of the pictorial depiction. Hundreds of
years after the vessel's creation, we still
appreciate its beauty that is sure to last for ages
to come.
- (PF.3455)
|
| |
|
