Maya. Figurine of a Warrior, 600–900. Ceramic, pigment, 7 x 2 1/8 x 1 1/2 in. (17.8 x 5.4 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift in memory of Frederic Zeller, 2009.2.15. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 2009.2.15_front_PS9.jpg)
Maya. Figurine of a Warrior, 600–900. Ceramic, pigment, 7 x 2 1/8 x 1 1/2 in. (17.8 x 5.4 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift in memory of Frederic Zeller, 2009.2.15. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 2009.2.15_back_PS9.jpg)
Figurine of a Warrior
Arts of the Americas
This delicately modeled ceramic figurine depicts a warrior wearing an elaborate helmet headdress, large shell pectoral, and a belt and apron. Residue of red pigment is visible on the figure’s face and torso, while a brilliant blue pigment called Maya Blue adorns the headdress, belt, and apron. Objects decorated with Maya Blue, which is a combination of indigo and palygorskite (white clay), are found primarily in ritual contexts, and the color is a symbol of sacredness, fertility, and regeneration.
CULTURE
Maya
MEDIUM
Ceramic, pigment
DATES
600–900
DIMENSIONS
7 x 2 1/8 x 1 1/2 in. (17.8 x 5.4 x 3.8 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Arts of the Americas
ACCESSION NUMBER
2009.2.15
CREDIT LINE
Gift in memory of Frederic Zeller
PROVENANCE
Prior to 1965, provenance not yet documented; by 1965, acquired by Guy Puerto of Mérida, Mexico; June 1965, purchased from Guy Puerto by Frederic Zeller of Sag Harbor, NY; 1994, gift of Frederic Zeller to Susan Kennedy Zeller of Sag Harbor, NY, by inheritance; 2009, gift of Susan Kennedy Zeller to the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Solid figurine (Jaina style) of a standing warrior with arms crossed in front and wearing an elaborate headdress that includes a helmet coming down the sides of the face; a large, shell pectoral; and a belt and apron. There is red pigment on the face and torso, and blue pigment on the headdress, belt and apron.
Condition: Lower legs, part of pectoral, and parts of the headdress are broken and missing; some loss of pigment.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Maya. Figurine of a Warrior, 600–900. Ceramic, pigment, 7 x 2 1/8 x 1 1/2 in. (17.8 x 5.4 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift in memory of Frederic Zeller, 2009.2.15. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 2009.2.15_front_PS9.jpg)
IMAGE
front, 2009.2.15_front_PS9.jpg., 2019
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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