Pre-Columbian, Maya, Classic Period, ca. 700 to 900 CE. A bowl in the classic Copador style, with black and red slip forming intricate designs on the exterior and interior. The exterior has a register of repeated glyph-like symbols around the rim, below which is a design that looks like the surface of a squash! On the interior, a red ring around the rim is followed by twin black rings and then two bird designs circling a central round pattern. The birds may be a reference to Huitzilopochtli, the hummingbird god of war, sun, and human sacrifice. Size: 7.3" W x 3" H (18.5 cm x 7.6 cm)

Copador pottery was manufactured at Copan and traded widely throughout the southern Maya region. This particular style was created by artisans in the Copan area 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!

Provenance: Ex-Private LA County collection acquired in the 1980's

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.

#119019

Repaired from several large pieces. Nice preservation of paint. Wear to the interior has revealed a slight mineral sparkle in the red pigment.