Mayan Painted Cylindrical Vessel

This vessel exudes a mysterious energy, an ancient intangible potency that is as radiant today as the day it was fired. Much like we can conceive of spirits haunting the earth after their bodily demise, ancient spiritual powers continue to inhabit certain sacred objects long after the civilization that created them has faded away. This cylindrical container is certainly one such object. The most prominent features of this work are the molded simian-like faces that have been attached to the sides as if handles. They are painted with red ears, lips, and noses and black lines along their cheeks. While they appear almost human, their upturned noses suggest that they represent monkeys. The body of the vessel is decorated with very odd painted figures. One is a standing man, painted brown, with large red claws over his feet and hands and wearing an arching red headdress shaped like a squash. Next to him, under the monkey heads, sits an unusual creature that appears to be spitting. Might this be a monkey, or perhaps some sort of mythological beast? Unfortunately, without the aid of glyphic texts, the meaning of the painted imagery remains obscure. This masterful work of ancient Mayan pottery must have played a vital role in a long forgotten ceremony. Its importance is reflected both in its tremendous craftsmanship as well as the glyphs that adorn it. Found in the tomb of an ancient ruler or dignitary, this vessel was as essential to the ancient Mayan in the next world as it was in this one. – (PF.6088)