Cylindrical Vessel
1 of 6
Object Label
The use of animal imagery to support divine rule and convey military strength was common among the ancient Maya, whose Classic period dated from 250 to 900 in a region that encompasses modern-day Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, and portions of southern Mexico. This small ceramic figurine of a nobleman has a removable serpent-headed headdress decorated with the precious and sacred tail feathers of the iridescent-green quetzal bird, which is associated with the feathered-serpent deity Kukulcán. The ceramic vessel displayed here features a procession of eleven military victors following a naked, bound prisoner. Each warrior wears a tie-dyed textile, a trophy head suspended from his belt, and an animal headdress that may represent his warrior society.
Caption
Maya. Cylindrical Vessel, ca. 550–950 C.E.. Ceramic, pigment, 6 1/4 x 5 3/8 x 5 3/8 in. (15.9 x 13.7 x 13.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift in memory of Frederic Zeller, 1998.176.2. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Cylindrical Vessel
Date
ca. 550–950 C.E.
Geography
Possible place made: Highlands, Guatemala, Place collected: Yucatan, Mexico
Medium
Ceramic, pigment
Classification
Dimensions
6 1/4 x 5 3/8 x 5 3/8 in. (15.9 x 13.7 x 13.7 cm)
Credit Line
Gift in memory of Frederic Zeller
Accession Number
1998.176.2
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This cylindrical vessel features a procession of warriors. If you look closely you'll notice that they are carrying trophy heads at their waists.
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