Pre-Columbian, Mayan Territories, Guatemala, Ca 550 to 900 CE. Terracotta vessel sits with a slight barrel form, decorated in yellow, dark brown, red, white, and shaded brown. Each deity has a long central eye in red and white, ear flares with dangling ornamentation, striped bones emanating from the downward turned long snout, and an upward facing bird-like deity mounted on the head. One image features a long streaming red painted human heart to the back, his mouth open showing teeth; a second image shows a closed mouth deity with a protruding rod from the earflare; and third image shows the deity with open mouth, teeth exposed, a human heart attached to the top headdress, and a water lily flowing to the back. As a rare detail, the artist has used a shading technique to create dimension to the deity jaw lines. 5"H x 5-1/2"D.

PROVENANCE: Ex-Fort Knox Artifacts, AZ acquired at Heritage Auction Gallery

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Overall excellent, intact condition with surface wear to the rim. A fine example!