Pre-Columbian, Mexico and Guatemala, Peten Basin, Maya Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 950 CE. A thin walled ceramic bowl with polychrome motifs ringing the exterior showing two prone human figures engaging in an enema ritual in order to ingest hallucinogenic drugs. The interior of the bowl is painted a deep, spectacular red, similar to the figures' skin. They are depicted unclothed aside from belts. Their faces are orange and their hair juts out from the front of their heads, elaborately coiffured in a spiral form. The bowl stands on three stubby, rounded legs that are buff clay rather than painted. Size: 6.4" W x 4.35" H (16.3 cm x 11 cm)

The Peten region was one of the most densely populated regions in the world during the Maya period, home to several million people and many powerful urban areas, with their own distinctive art style. According to Peter deSmet, author of "Ritual Enemas and Snuffs in the Americas", many pre-Columbian societies practiced the ritual insertion of enemas (clyster) of alcohol and hallucinogens in order to enter an altered state of consciousness and partake in shamanic and religious rituals. The Maya created their enemas by keeping bees in order to produce honey and create fermented drinks like the strong, anise-flavored Xtabentun.

Published in Robicsek, F., "The Smoking Gods: Tobacca in Maya Art, History, and Religion", University of Oklahoma Press, 1978, color plate #21.

Provenance: private Stanley Marcus collection; ex-Sotheby's, New York, November 16, 2002, Lot 40

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#124790

Two tiny repaired chips on inside of rim. Very clear artwork as shown and gorgeous root marks on the buff underside.