Maya Pottery Cylinder Vessel Glyph Band

**Originally Listed At $1200**

Pre-Columbian, Guatemala and southern Mexico, Maya, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A sizable handbuilt, terracotta, cylinder vessel with fluted walls framed by upper and lower horizontal bas relief bands, an upper register of pseudoglyphs adorning the midline of the gently flaring neck, a generous annular rim, and nice remains of stucco embellishing the surface presenting in a rich russet red over the glyphs, red and white over the bands framing the glyphoid register and underscoring the chocolate brown fluted walls. Size: 5.875" in diameter x 8.875" H (14.9 cm x 22.5 cm)

Scholars posit that the Maya offered cylinder vessels as diplomatic gifts, and many were used to serve and drink the traditional cacao (chocolate) beverage. In Maya art, tall cylinders like this one are presented in scenes depicting the preparation of the cocoa drink that was extremely popular with the Maya. Large cylindrical vessels like this were placed on the ground, and the drink was poured from smaller vessels above to create a frothy mixture.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Roy Oswald collection, Arizona, USA, 1960 to 2004

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#162831
Condition Report: Expected surface wear with some losses to stucco as shown, but nice remains of red and white stucco still grace the surface. Two stabilized fissures running about 4.5" down from the rim on opposite sides of the vessel. Collection label on base. Scattered earthen and mineral deposits. Nice root marks here and there as well.