**Originally Listed At $2500**

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico, Campeche or Chiapas, Mayan Territories, Classic Period, ca. 400 to 900 CE. A hand carved anthropomorphic stone and stucco head of the Maya wind deity, Ik' K'uh, comprised of exaggerated facial features to emphasize his aspects. His lower appendage, perhaps lip and tongue, hang vertically down below a projecting "duck bill" upper lip. The curling emanations to the sides of the open mouth, one of which still shows the beaded detail, indicates water or blood. A naturalistic nose is set between the bulging eyes, that stare intently forward above high cheekbones, framed by a scalloped headdress. The left eye still shows the original "T" shape incised carving which is the Maya symbol for wind. No doubt the right eye was similarly incised, but it has weathered more strongly. This is a significant stucco sculpture of a relatively unknown Maya deity! Size: 10" W x 13" H (25.4 cm x 33 cm); 15.5" H (39.4 cm) on included custom stand.

The "T" is the symbol for the maya word "ik" meaning both wind and breath, but also had other more ambiguous meanings. Ik' K'uh is the wind and music deity that embodied the breath or spirit, which sustains the gods and invigorates their spiritual force. Breath and breathing marked the difference between life and death. Despite being a destructive force of nature, wind was also life affirming aspect. Wind instruments were important part of ritual use in Maya culture, drawing a connection between human breath, the energy force, creating sound, or giving life to an otherwise intimate object.

Provenance: ex-Denver Museum of Art, deaccessioned 1980s

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#159707

Fragment from a larger piece. Abrasions and losses to high relief peripheries. Surface weathering, crumbling, and softening of details. Backside has a modern wire attached with plaster from mounting it. Mineral deposits and traces of painted pigment!