Pre-Columbian, Mexico, ca. 500 BC to 500 AD, Late Classic Period. Very rare and fine Mayan polychrome cylinder with images of a fairly unfriendly looking rabbit on each side. Could this possibly be a representation of Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil (also known by the appellation "18-Rabbit" or "Eighteen Rabbit")? 18 Rabbit was a ruler of the powerful Maya polity associated with the site of Copán in modern Honduras (its Classic Maya name was probably Oxwitik[1]). He ruled from January 2, 695, to May 3, 738. He initiated construction of the famous "Hieroglyphic Stairway," as well as Temple 22 ("The Mountain of Sustenance").[2] Little is known of Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil himself but on May 3, 738, Copán, a regional power at the time, suffered a catastrophic defeat at the hands of the polity located at Quiriguá, when Uaxaclajuun was beheaded at the behest of Quiriguá's ruler, K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat (Cauac Sky). Following this defeat Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil was replaced by a new ruler, named K'ak' Joplaj Chan K'awiil ("Smoke Monkey"). 5-1/2"H x 7-1/4"D.
Provenance: Ex-Bishop Collection, Scottsadle, AZ.
This lot will be sold not subject to a reserve. The starting price is the price at which the item can sell.
Intact and excellent, save small/stabilized stress crack.
View Bid Increments & Buyer's Premium
| Estimate | $2,700 - $3,400 |
| Starting Bid | $1,400 |
