Fine Pre-Columbian Maya carved cylinder of the type from Northern Yucatan, ca 600 A.D. - 900 A.D. 5"H x 5"D, this greyware cylinder exhibits a graceful form, with a gently corseted mid-section. Deeply-carved panels on opposing sides contain depictions of elaborately adorned seated male figures, likely representing dignitaries or Lords. Each is shown sitting cross-legged with arms gesturing forward, wearing very large, elaborate feathered headdresses as well as loincloths with waist belts. The gesture shown by each figure (with extended hand, palm up, sharply bend downward at the wrist) is known to represent Maya Lords or elite persons of power in Maya iconography. Each figure has a plume-like extension shown protruding directly from their nose, which is known to represent smoke being exhaled. The band of carved glyphs that encircles the top outer rim is a stylized "Skyband," which signifies that the scene below it is occurring in the earthly realm. There are remnants of white stucco in the carved lines, which once outlined the deeply carved scenes and glyphs. The surface of this piece displays a wonderful patina, with root marks and mineral deposits present.

PROVENANCE: Ex-private Canadian Collection, ex-Arte Primitivo and ex-Peter Wray Collection.

There is minor repair of a few ancient breaks, with minimal matching fill over the breaks. The repairs are all but invisible from the exterior, but can easily be detected from the interior of the cylinder. There are also a couple of stable fine hairline stress cracks visible from both the interior and exterior.