Pre-Columbian, Mexico and northern Central America, Maya Territories, Late Classic, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A fascinating pottery vessel skillfully sculpted with a relief register of 4 dancing monkeys and a bird headed snake - perhaps a representation of Kukulkan or the vision serpent. Standing with legs bent and arms raised, each of the simians display anthropomorphic bodies with lengthy limbs, a thick tail, and a human-like head. Sizeable, erect phalluses are featured on 2 of the monkeys, as well as the avianesque serpent. Monkeys played an important role in Maya belief systems as is evident in the creation myths and representational art, as seen in this example, and were believed to have superior intelligence. These monkeys may be a reference to the "Monkey Man" patron of scribes and artists. The dancing stance of these figures is also important; dancing among the Mayas was not simply an enjoyable secular pastime, but also a transformative, often shamanic ritual performance for kings and members of the royal court. Size: 7.1" Diameter x 8.3" H (18 cm x 21.1 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired September 7, 2017; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-private D. C. collection, California, USA, collected before 2000

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#174873

Professionally repaired with some chipping, minor losses, and visible adhesive along break lines. Small areas of restoration and light surface wear throughout, commensurate with age. Nice preservation of sculpted decoration and detail.