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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Mayan Bowls, Plates and Vessels : Mayan Polychrome Bowl
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Mayan Polychrome Bowl - PF.4530
Origin: Guatemala
Circa: 500
AD
to 900
AD
Dimensions:
3.5" (8.9cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Style: Mayan
Medium: Terracotta
$9,600.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
Maya artists did not concern themselves with
originality; since content, media and function
were already an established convention handed
down to them. Often an artist was born into the
profession, highly trained from a young age,
sharing common pattern books and living closely
with other artists. Individual creativity was
expressed by the refinement of execution and in
the use of subtle metaphor that at times
approaches visual word play. In these two
aspects the Maya artists were masters, and
created one of the great painting traditions in
the world. Maya imagery does not expand
outwards but inwards; representing a vision of
reality and the supernatural which is distinctly
their own. The painting on this beautiful bowl is
a scene or a series that is meant to be read,
probably in sequence. The central figure,
repeated five times, shows a seated male dressed
in a very elaborate costume. In each frame he
extends his hand, but the fingers change their
configuration in a manner that may be
significant. If read counter-clock wise, start at
the figure who is extending his thumb and
forefinger. In the next frame they are lifted,
followed by the third where the middle finger
touches the thumb. Then suddenly the palm is
outstretched, followed by the last where the
fingers are slightly curled, as if he is holding
something. The man is probably a king making
an offering to a god, and each frame part of a
visual sequence, like a reel of film, where the
action is taking place. The figure above the man
resembles the vision serpent and may account
for why it rests on the forehead, helping the king
to see into another realm during his supplication.
It is the brilliance of Maya art that offers the
opportunity to witness a secret, mysterious ritual
in a relatively small space; with the effect of
expanding our own horizons.
- (PF.4530)
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