**Originally Listed At $600**

Pre-Columbian, Mayan Territories, possibly Guatemala, Late Classic Period, ca. 700 to 850 CE. A stunning brownware cylinder, finely incised with a large-headed snake against a pointillist ground that also contributes to the theme as it resembles the roughness of snake skin. A cylindrical vessel like this one would almost certainly have been used for pouring cacao drink, the most popular drink in the Mayan territories, into larger cylinders, thus producing a frothy foam on top that was the preferred way of serving it. What's more, its magical iconography possessed layers of meaning in the Pre-Columbian world (see below). Size: 5.25" W x 6.875" H (13.3 cm x 17.5 cm).

Snake/serpents provide a fascinating element of Pre-Columbian iconography as they were regarded to be a beneficial source of nourishment and at the same time quite deadly with their poisonous venom. Also important to the indigenous was the fact that snakes shed their skin annually thus rejuvenating themselves and serving as symbols of renewal and good health. The existence of two snake heads on this piece may suggest the bicephalic serpent which was a signifier of high rank in various Pre-Columbian world views. These two-headed beasts were regarded as sky bands that arched over the earth or surrounded the seas serving as a passageway for the planets and stars of the celestial realm. This motif decorated articles associated with individuals of high rank, thus associating them with the powers of this mighty creature.

Provenance: private D. C. collection, California, USA; D. C. is an Emmy Award winning Hollywood writer and Executive Producer, collected before 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#126417

Age-commensurate surface wear, minor losses to rim, a large but stable hairline fissure running down one side, and great earthen/mineral deposits.