Pre-Columbian, Guatemala and southern Mexico, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 700 to 900 CE. A fine example of a Copador-style bowl with a well done, clear band of pseudo-glyphs immediately below the dark red rim. Below that, on the exterior, are repeated motifs of playful, long-limbed monkeys running after one another while holding large red balls. Four species of monkeys lived in the Maya region in pre-Columbian times: two howler monkeys, the spider monkey, and the capuchin. These animals fascinated the Maya and are common subjects of their artwork, often depicted carrying valuable goods like cacao, which these red balls may represent. Size: 8.1" W x 4.4" H (20.6 cm x 11.2 cm)

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

Provenance: private D. C. collection, California, USA; D. C. is an Emmy Award winning Hollywood writer and Executive Producer, collected before 2000

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#126453

Very well done repair from two pieces that is difficult to see. Manganese deposits over surface, with nice remaining pigment.