Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A fascinating pottery vessel of a tall, cylindrical form with a flat base, smooth walls, a deep basin, and a lightly flared rim that is incised with birds and a serpent. The exterior is slipped in a burnt red hue and deeply carved with a slender billed bird eating a snake headfirst, perhaps a predatory water bird such a heron or egret. The other side contains a similar bird seated with its lengthy beak closed. A cylindrical vessel like this one would almost certainly have been used for pouring cacao drink, the most popular drink in Maya territories, into larger cylinders, thus producing a frothy foam on top that was the preferred way of serving it. Snakes and birds are prominently featured in many pre-Columbian cultures, and Itzamna, Maya Principle Bird Deity, was often depicted with snakes coming from its head or wings, or devouring them whole. Size: 3.75" Diameter x 5.75" H (9.5 cm x 14.6 cm)

Provenance: private Elkton, Oregon, USA collection, ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, USA

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#169350

Repaired and restored. Loss to rim and upper area of vessel and repaired using a new piece of material. Visible break lines and loss to incised motif in this area as shown. Hairline fissure radiating from rim. Fading and losses to pigments. Motifs are sharp and well preserved.