Bowl
Artist/Maker
Maya (archaeological culture)
(Mesoamerica)
Dateca. 600-900
Mediumpottery, specular hematite and paint
DimensionsOverall: 3 1/2 x 8 1/2 in. (8.9 x 21.6 cm)
ClassificationsContainers
Credit LineGift of May Cassard
Terms
Object number86.0210
DescriptionMaya ceramic vessels are often embellished with a formulaic hieroglyphic text known as the Primary Standard Sequence (PSS). It is less common for the PSS to be present on carved ceramics, yet this unique example clearly incorporates the PSS text that includes a dedicatory statement, the type of vessel, the substance it was used for, and the owner. In this example from the northern Maya lowlands, the owner of the thin walled drinking cup is described as a sajal, or subordinate ruler, as well as a bakab, a title that refers to the beings who hold up the sky. The base of the vessel has been carved to resemble a squash, another food sacred to the Maya.On View
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