The Fenton Vase
Maya, Late Classic period (AD
600-800)
From Nebaj,
Guatemala
Polychrome ceramic vessels were a symbol of
status and power for the Maya. They were used by the élite and are
found as offerings in rich burials. A large number of beautiful
polychrome vases, bowls and dishes from the Late Classic period
have been recovered from the Maya area, at sites such as Tikal,
Holmul and Seibal in the lowlands, and Nebaj in the
highlands.
The vessels
provide an important source of information about Maya society in
the Classic period, with text and image illustrating historical and
mythological events. The scenes depict scribes, merchants, rulers
and other members of
society.
This beautiful
example was found at Nebaj, a Maya site in the highlands of
Guatemala. The most common themes on Nebaj style polychrome vessels
are tribute and warfare. The scene here represents the delivery of
tribute to a seated lord. Above the basket presented to him are a
series of six hieroglyphs which indicate his name and titles, while
the other
glyph
panels correspond to those of the four figures in the scene. Their
jewellery, clothing and spangled turbans adorned with flowers
suggest that they are members of the élite.
K. Sloan (ed.), Enlightenment. Discovering the (London, The British Museum Press, 2003)
M. Coe, Breaking the Maya code (London, Thames & Hudson, 1992)
L. Schele and M.E. Miller, The blood of kings (London, Thames & Hudson, 1986)
R. Sharer, Daily life in Maya civilizatio (London, Greenwood Press, 1996)
D.R. Budet, Painting the Maya universe: ro (Durham, London, Duke University Press in association with Duke University Museum of Art, 1994)
M. Coe and J. Kerr, The art of the Maya scribe (London, Thames & Hudson, 1997)