Dignitary, 600–800 CE

Ceramic with yellow and Maya blue pigment
2000-318
Dignitary

Interpretation

This figure’s demeanor, feathered cape, turban, and slight paunch attest to his noble status. Although such figurines once were thought to be portraits, more recent scholarship has suggested that they instead present stock social types and courtly positions. Punctures in the clay represent a delicate design on the loincloth, which may have been sheer gauze. The open mouth, large chest, and expansive gesture might indicate that the man was a court singer (k'ayom), a title that is written in hieroglyphs on Maya vase paintings that depict attendants to royalty.

Information

Title
Dignitary
Object Number
2000-318
Medium
Ceramic with yellow and Maya blue pigment
Dates
600–800 CE
Dimensions
h. 26.7 cm., w. 15.5 cm., d. 7.5 cm. (10 1/2 x 6 1/8 x 2 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Gillett G. Griffin in honor of Allen Rosenbaum; with additional support from Lewis Ranieri in honor of Gillett G. Griffin on the occasion of his seventieth birthday, by exchange; Harry A. Brooks, Class of 1935, in honor of Allen Rosenbaum; and Samuel Merrin and Spencer Throckmorton
Culture
Late Classic
Maya
Period
Classic
Place made
North America, Mexico, Campeche, Maya area, Jaina Island or vicinity
Type
Materials

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