Bowl
Artist/Maker
Maya (archaeological culture)
(Mesoamerica)
Dateca. 900-1100
Mediumpottery and slip paint
DimensionsOverall: 6 1/8 x 6 1/8 in. (15.6 x 15.6 cm)
ClassificationsContainers
Credit LineGift of The Institute of Maya Studies
Terms
Object number80.0054
DescriptionThis elegant vessel is decorated with a dancing monkey, probably a spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) common in the rainforest environments of Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico. The ancient Maya saw the monkey as the patron god of writing and they were revered for their intelligence. Spider monkeys in particular were seen as representative of fertility and sensuality. This vessel may have been made to serve guests at a high-status feast.On View
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