ART 198 - HISTORY OF WORLD CERAMICS

Seated atop a raised dias on stuffed pillows, this Maya lord with stern visage stares intently into a magnetite mirror, held by one of two attendants. It is thought that this may represent a 'vision quest,' or perhaps he was simply vain! He wears the jade bracelets and earplugs that identify him a part of the ruling elite. On his head is an elaborate headdress of quetzal feathers, and a kilt is tied about his waist. The turquoise color in the headdress is the remains of a stucco paint that was applied after firing, while all the other colors are the traditional slip colors associated with Maya pottery. This example of the use of non-fired stucco is particularly well preserved. Note the extremely delicate linear quality of the drawing. Figures are presented as outlines, with little, if any shading. The expressive quality of the drawing of the hands is especially beautiful. Such vessels have been found in large numbers, and were typically found in burials, attesting to the status of the individual. Interestingly, the glyphs painted on this vessel are completely meaningless, and are what are called 'psuedoglyphs'. The painter of this vessel was obviously illiterate, and simply painted what looked like writing to him. The artist must have assumed that the individual for whom this piece was intended was illiterate as well.

Seated Maya Lord Cylindrical vessel, earthenware with slips and stucco paint Classic Maya period, 672-830 CE