Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mayan territories, ca. 600 to 900 CE. This handsome, hand built bowl is rich for its iconography painted in deep red and brown slip on a cream ground. The interior features a large JAL sign also known as a mat sign referring to all woven materials - finely woven textiles, plaited hair, twists of rope, in addition to the reed mat which was the symbol or royalty. Surrounding the JAL glyph is a procession of birds - possibly turkeys as these were domesticated by the Mayans - with worms hanging from their beaks. Birds were associated with Mayan lords and shaman as well as with the deity figures associated with leaders of local tribes. Bird ornamentals were an integral part of the headdresses worn by Mayan lords as these winged creatures played a significant role in mystical and ceremonial life of these ancients. On the exterior of the bowl is a series of five seated figures bending forward and presenting their large red hands in a pantomime-like gesture that suggests they are making an offering to a supernatural entity. At the same time the abstract, elongated hand gestures may be narrative signals specifying interaction among individuals. In spite of extensive studies of pose and gesture in Maya art, scholars offer conflicting conclusions and the true meanings of these formalized gestures remain a challenge. 6-1/2"D x 2 3/4"T Provenance: Ex-private Los Angeles, CA collection acquired at auction. All items in this auction have been legally acquired, are legal to sell, and guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids, papered by our parent company, Artemis Gallery Ancient Art. The starting price is the lowest price at which the lot can sell.

  • Condition: Some surface wear and loss at rim as shown. Erosion on bottom. Intact, fair condition.

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January 24, 2014 9:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000