Pre-Columbian, Central America, El Salvador, Maya, Copador, Ruler 13, ca. 724 to 726 CE. An exemplary pottery cylinder vessel boasting an incised band of glyphs, painted motifs, and impressive remains of white and red stucco decoration. Just below the flared rim, a horizontal band of elaborate glyphs encircles the exterior stating the Maya dates of the vessel's creation, 6 Ahaw 8 Keh or September 27, 724 CE to 11 Ajaw 18 Sak or September 17, 726 CE, placing it in the reign of Ruler 13, Waxaklajuun Ub'aah K'awil also known as 18 Rabbit. It additionally reads "the vessel of Yax Kuk Mo," which interestingly adds a bit of mystery as Yax Kuk Mo was the first ruler of Copan and died in 437 CE, thus could not have owned the vessel. Intricately painted designs further embellish the exterior, showcasing a register of right-facing seated figures - perhaps scribes - near the bottom and 2 rows of a twisted vegetal pattern that flank the broad band of white stucco at the center. Size: 7.5" Diameter x 10.7" H (19 cm x 27.2 cm)

The painted motifs atop the relief glyphs indicate that these were added at a later date after the vessel was painted.

Copador pottery was manufactured at Copan and traded widely throughout the southern Maya region. This particular style was created by artisans specifically for export, and was probably made to combine popular elements in Maya decoration to increase their value. By repeating certain styles, the artisans creating bowls like this reinforced ceremonial ideas. This is a fascinating piece of history that tells us a great deal about the Mayan economy and society!

This vessel has been photographed as part of the Maya Vase Database of the Kerr Collections on the website for Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies, Inc. as Kerr number 9130.

Translation done by the renowned researcher of Maya civilization Dr. Stephen D. Houston, who is Dupee Family Professor of Social Science, Professor of Anthropology, and Professor of History of Art and Architecture at Brown University.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report is available to the buyer upon request.

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA; ex-Michael Cichon Tribal Arts, Bradenton, Florida, USA, before 2008

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#174911

Professional restoration to base. Some nicks and abrasions as shown, as well as a few stable hairline fissures. Otherwise, excellent with impressive preservation of glyphs and painted decoration. Liberal remains of stucco and nice earthen and mineral deposits to interior. Old collection label on base. TL holes to interior of rim, near bottom, and base.