Pre-Columbian, Guatemala, Peten Region, Late Classic Maya, ca. 700 to 800 CE. A beautiful cylinder jar with a simple, elegant design. The interior is an earthy red - it flows upward and spills over the rim, terminating in a neat band above a register of step glyphs painted by hand in black on cream. Underneath that, free-floating on on the body of the vessel, are a series of spaced-out black dragonfly motifs on a cream background. Size: 3.75" W x 6.95" H (9.5 cm x 17.7 cm)

The step register is an omnipresent motif in Mayan art, which often depicts architectural elements. The dragonflies - shown here as simple round bodies with wings extended, as if viewed face on - and reflect the importance of zoomorphic designs in Mayan art. Residue analysis on similar vessels suggests that this cylinder jar was almost certainly used for the ritual ingestion of a drink made from cacao (chocolate). This was hugely popular amongst Mayan elites.

Provenance: Ex-Dr. G. Hermann collection, Denver, CO acquired before 1980

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#118957

Repairs on base and around lower body; pigment has slight wear but is in nice condition.