Pre-Columbian, Classic Maya, ca. 300 to 900 CE. An iconographically rich ceramic tetrapod (four-legged) bowl with polychrome red, orange, and black motifs. Each of the rattle legs is painted with long, red and black stripes. The exterior has wonderfully abstract panels below a narrow rim decorated with repeated black curlicues. The interior has a register of fascinating motifs that focus around circles and wide, curving lines with narrow black borders. In tondo is a magnificent portrait of an elite individual wearing an enormous version of the belt and hacha from the ceremonial ballgame. Huge clumps of feathers project from his headdress, the hacha, and the back of the belt. Feathers were reserved for the highest ranking members of society. Size: 11.55" W x 4.5" H (29.3 cm x 11.4 cm)

The clay used to make this bowl, like much clay in the Maya region, is a deep, gritty, volcanic red; the paint over it takes on a red tinge. Excavations at Ceren, a Maya city in El Salvador that was buried by volcanic ash in the 7th century CE, have revealed a very similar tetrapod vessel that was used for serving tamales. Tamales were an incredibly popular meal at this time, served both in everyday situations and at large feasts. This particular vessel was probably placed into a grave containing offerings of food, possibly of tamales!

Provenance: private Florida, USA collection

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#121722

Repaired from multiple large pieces, with very well done and difficult to see repairs. Artwork is exceptionally well preserved. Fine manganese stains over much of the surface.