The ancient Maya were a people of a distinct
physical type, having high cheekbones and
fleshy, hooked noses. With their heavy-lidded
eyes, drooping lower lip, artificially deformed
and lengthened foreheads, they epitomized the
aristocratic beauty that was depicted in the art of
the period. An exquisite example can be seen in
this painted vase. On a brightly burnished
background of buff, banded by orange, the
talented Mayan artist has painted a striking
ceremonial scene in the mural manner, a style
that conforms handsomely with the smooth
surface and vertical shape of the vessel. The
depiction is of two priests clothed with elaborate
headdresses that exaggerate and accentuate the
facial features, and a distinctively patterned and
plumed ceremonial garment. Separating the two
priests who perform a sacred ritual are two sets
of elegant calligraphic glyphs whose meaning is
now lost in time. Are they the dates and
constellations that mark this sacred ritual?
Whatever they’re meaning, our imagination is
invited to wander back in time as we experience
the ancient mythical power and energy that this
exquisite Mayan vase summons within us.
- (PF.2301)
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