Pre-Columbian, Maya, possibly Guatemala, Late Classic Period, ca. 700 to 850 CE. A stunning brownware cylinder, finely incised with a bicephalic snake against a cross-hatched ground that also contributes to the theme as it resembles a snake skin pattern. A cylindrical vessel like this one would almost certainly have been used for pouring cacao drink, the most popular drink in Maya territories, into larger cylinders, thus producing a frothy foam on top that was the preferred way of serving it. What's more, its magical iconography possessed layers of meaning in the Pre-Columbian world (see below). Size: 5" in diameter x 6.5" H (12.7 cm x 16.5 cm)

Snake/serpents provide a fascinating element of Pre-Columbian iconography as they were regarded to be a beneficial source of nourishment and at the same time quite deadly with their poisonous venom. Also important to the indigenous was the fact that snakes shed their skin annually thus rejuvenating themselves and serving as symbols of renewal and good health. The existence of two snake heads on this piece may suggest the bicephalic serpent which was a signifier of high rank in various Pre-Columbian world views. These two-headed beasts were regarded as sky bands that arched over the earth or surrounded the seas serving as a passageway for the planets and stars of the celestial realm. This motif decorated articles associated with individuals of high rank, thus associating them with the powers of this mighty creature.

Provenance: collection of the late Alfred E. Stendahl, Stendahl Gallery, Los Angeles, California, USA

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#126340

Repaired from about a half dozen pieces. Repairs are well done and imagery is still quite vivid.