Lot 221
Pre-Columbian, Guatemala, Maya, Post Classic Period, ca. 600 to 700 CE. A hand-built terracotta figural lid depicting a dramatic jaguar head, probably from a special urn or incensario in a style known as the Quiche (K'iche') Type, from highland Guatemala. Quite large and presenting a magnificent visage comprised of wide-open round eyes with perforated pupils, a nose made from three applied roundels (the lower pair his flaring nostrils), huge cup-shaped ears, and an enormous open mouth bearing seven teeth framed by four pointy fangs, and a large wagging tongue. The neck of the lid is tiered with the upper ridge featuring a crimped border. Some russet and white stucco remains. Size: 8.625" W x 9.25" H (21.9 cm x 23.5 cm)
The form of the jaguar was revered throughout the Pre-Columbian New World as the mightiest wild feline and was used as a symbol of power and kingship. In Classic Maya art, the jaguar is associated with lordly might and as an avatar for the gods. Many rulers during this time took jaguar names: Shield-Jaguar and Bird-Jaguar, for example. One of the Hero Twins described in the Quiche book Popol Voh, the most famous Maya text, is named Xbalanque, which is almost certainly derived from the word for jaguar, "balam", and that twin is shown in art with jaguar pelt markings on his face and body.
Provenance: private Hawaiian collection
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#124107
- Condition: Head reattached and repair to one ear. Small losses to upper roundel of nose, left eye, and rim. Expected surface wear, though nice remains of red and white pigment/stucco.
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