ART 198 - HISTORY OF WORLD CERAMICS

A seated figure with a very large bar pectoral worn about his neck faces three other figures on the Classic period cylinder vase from Guatemala. The very specific facial features indicate portraiture, such as the unusual nose, the down turned lower lip, and the stern expression. The hieroglyphic text is partially eroded, but the readable section refers to a ritual dance held in the presence of the lord. The quetzal feathers in this lord's headdress are painted in 'fugitive' copper green, and this can be seen to the right of the figure's head. The green is now faded to an off gray, but was originally a bright vivid green in imitation of the color of the tail feathers of the quetzal. The quetzal still is found in the rain forests of Guatemala and Honduras, but is facing extinction, due to over hunting. Burials have yielded jade earplugs, pectorals and kilt pieces such as the ones seen on this glowering figure.

Seated Maya Lord with jade pectoral and earplugs, Cylindrical vessel, earthenware with polychrome slips , Guatemala Classic Maya period, 750 CE