Lot 173A
Pre-Columbian, Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. An exemplary pottery cylinder vessel meticulously hand-painted with glyph decoration of stylized versions of a kin or day sign on the body and a band of geometric and zoomorphic symbols forming a unique version of the PSS or Primary Standard Sequence - a dedicatory phrase of hieroglyphs typically found on Classic-period ceramics - around the top. The PSS generally consisted of the noun for the object itself at the core - i.e. his cup - and the owner's personal name. Extended versions of the sequence would add other details, such as something about its decorative mode - painted or carved - and function, such as "for cacao." The PSS held great meaning in the artistic and economic life of Maya courts during the Early and Late Classic periods, marking personal connections for important prestige objects and gifts. Size: 6" Diameter x 8.5" H (15.2 cm x 21.6 cm)
Residue analysis on vessels like this one show that they were used for drinking chocolate, a hugely popular and ritual practice amongst the Maya, especially the elite. Although we know little about the artisans who made vessels like this one, we do know that cylinder jars are often associated with tombs, sometimes ritually broken. Prominent Mayanist Michael Coe has connected the scenes depicted upon the most important of these vessels with the sixteenth century Maya written epic, the Popol Vuh, which describes Maya religion and mythology, as this one does.
Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010
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#175077
- Condition: Professionally repaired with some chipping and minor losses along break lines as well as drill holes from old repairs near rim. Expected nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age, but otherwise in excellent condition with impressive preservation of original pigments and decoration.
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