Pre-Columbian, Mayan Territories, Honduras, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A finely executed Mayan redware cylinder featuring four square panels skillfully molded in relief. Two of these panels present a seated lord or cazique richly dressed and decorated - each one donning an elaborate headdress, a double strand beaded pectoral, and large earspools. Notice that one wears a spotted jaguar pelt garment. The jaguar symbolized power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this king of beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World, and oftentimes wore jaguar pelt to co-opt the wild feline's admired qualities. Size: 6.25" W x 7.125" H (15.9 cm x 18.1 cm)

The vessel's figural panels alternate with a pair of weave/mat glyph panels depicting twisted, woven fibers in relief. The Mayans used spinning whorls to create vibrant threads dyed with natural plant dyes, and weaving fine garments was the perview of noble women. Their exquisite creations were not only artistic expressions but also sources of wealth gifted as tribute to rulers. In addition, mats were woven to serve as locii of important rituals and agreements.

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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#126399

Repaired from multiple pieces. Nice remains of pale blue green stucco and manganese deposits grace the surface.