Mayan Sculpture of a Seated Deity/Shaman

This man looks as if he is contemplating the world around him as he sits crouched with his arms crossed. The headdress and large earrings he is adorned with denotes how important he must have been to this culture. This is probably a representation of a shaman, a magic man, and intermediary between our world and the spiritual world. The artist seems to have captured this important personage at a time of prayer, where he is speaking to a higher world. The face on this beautiful figure captures our attention, with an open mouth and closed eyes. He seems to be chanting a prayer, speaking to the spirits on another level. He must be sitting in a position to pray, with his legs and arms crossed. This magnificent symmetrical figure is somber and dignified. This statue may also represent a deity that the Guatemalans worshipped. Perceived as having the power to appease the deities, this figure becomes the center of attention through his captivating beauty.