Pre-Columbian, Honduras / El Salvador, Mayan Copador, ca. 550 to 900 CE. The exterior walls of this polychrome bowl feature a register occupied by three pairs of sitting scribes or lords alternating with three groups of four identical figural glyphs probably representing a deity. The scribes/lords sit against backrests with outstretched arms as if presenting offerings such as treasured books or implements to use in ballcourts of the Copan. Elaborate headdresses, beaded necklaces, and ear spools underscore their elite standing. They reach out toward a traditional symbol that some scholars have interpreted as the scribes' ideas or thoughts. Adding to this are twelve stylized turkeys with red tail feathers and necks, dangling worms from their beaks, and strutting around the lower exterior wall beneath the scribes/lords, while another twelve turkeys strut around the interior walls. A fabulous example with an extensive iconography program. Size: 8.625" W x 3.625" H (21.9 cm x 9.2 cm)

Provenance: private Strunk collection, Maui, Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Baker collection, New Mexico, USA

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#125904

Repaired from two large pieces with touch up to the break lines. Normal surface wear commensurate with age, but most of the imagery is quite vivid.