There is a powerful divine presence radiating
from within this work. She watches over us as
she once watched over a deceased Mayan king.
Seated with her hands resting on her knees, this
female figure emits an aura much greater than
her stature would suggest. She wears elaborate
jewelry, including a beaded necklace with a
central skull-shaped pendant (perhaps
symbolizing her supernatural powers), bracelets,
circular ear ornaments, and a long flaring skirt.
Most prominent, however, is her dramatic
arching headdress that frames her face. The
headdress has been elegantly modeled after the
original crown that no doubt once existed. Bits
of light blue and white polychrome are still intact
along small bits of the headdress, her skirt, and
her face, suggesting that the whole of this
sculpture was once brilliantly painted. Who does
she represent? A god? A protective spirit? A
deceased relative? Any of these answers might
be correct; however, the most revealing factor to
the identity and importance of this figurine is the
location of its discovery. Found in a tomb,
buried alongside a fallen ruler or dignitary, this
sculpture was clearly as necessary to have in the
afterlife as it was in this world.
- (PF.6082)
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