Figurine of a Nobleman with Detachable Headdress
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. Figurine of a Nobleman with Detachable Headdress, 600–900. Ceramic, pigment, figure (a): 6 1/2 × 3 1/4 × 2 1/2 in. (16.5 × 8.3 × 6.4 cm) mask (b): 4 1/2 × 4 1/2 × 1 1/2 in. (11.4 × 11.4 × 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift in memory of Frederic Zeller, 2009.2.19a-b.
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Figurine of a Nobleman with Detachable Headdress
Date
600–900
Geography
Place found: Mexico
Medium
Ceramic, pigment
Classification
Dimensions
figure (a): 6 1/2 × 3 1/4 × 2 1/2 in. (16.5 × 8.3 × 6.4 cm) mask (b): 4 1/2 × 4 1/2 × 1 1/2 in. (11.4 × 11.4 × 3.8 cm)
Credit Line
Gift in memory of Frederic Zeller
Accession Number
2009.2.19a-b
Frequent Art Questions
Tell about these.
These Mayan figurines are hollow and represent men wearing elaborate headdresses in various animal forms, such as a jaguar. These kinds of adornments represent high social status. Additionally, like the whistle you sent before they have musical elements.The man with jaguar headdress is a whistle and the man wearing the bird mask is a rattle. These were common funerary items on Jaina Island in Mexico and likely served a ritual purpose.
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