Serving Vessel, c. 600-900 CE
Mayaexpand_more
Clay, pigmentsexpand_more
Gift of funds from Ben Hellerexpand_more 80.8a,b
On View in Gallery 260expand_more
This especially large lidded vessel was once at the center of a sacred bundle of textiles gathered and tied through the round opening in the lid's handle. Containers of this type were used to present and serve tamales and other foods at ceremonial feasts. Sacred images incised in the lid feature representations of four Maya gods including the Maize God and Jaguar God. The four-lobed shape around the handle is symbolic of a portal between the earthly realm and the watery underworld. Images of K'awiil, the god of lightning and royal lineage, surround the bottom of the vessel.
Details
- Title
- Serving Vessel
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 80.8a,b
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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