Artwork Page for Vessel with Battle Scene

Details / Information for Vessel with Battle Scene

Vessel with Battle Scene

600–900

Mesoamerica, Maya, Nebaj region, Late Classic Period, 7th-10th century

Medium
ceramic and slip
Measurements
Overall: 17.2 x 15.4 cm (6 3/4 x 6 1/16 in.)
Weight: 0.9kg
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 2012.32
Public Domain
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Location
233 Mesoamerican and Intermediate Region
Print
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Did You Know?

The Maya drank a chocolaty beverage with a spicy kick! Made using cacao seeds and chili peppers, the drink was consumed out of vessels like this one.

Description

Likely used as a political gift, this vessel depicts the presentation of prisoners in the aftermath of battle. A front-facing lord turns to review ten elegantly drawn warriors, some stripped of battle regalia and others dressed in elaborate headgear and garments, including tunics made of jaguar pelts. The hieroglyphs encircling the rim dedicate the vessel, used to drink an elite beverage made of cacao (chocolate) beans.
A cylindrical ceramic vessel slightly taller than it is wide depicts figures outlined in black with orange accessories against a cream background. On the left, a figure holds a spear pointing down, wearing a black-dotted shirt and headdress with a human face represented on it. On the right, a more plainly dressed figure puts another in a headlock. Orange banners with hieroglyphs, a symbolic writing system, hang between figures. Cream on yellow hieroglyphs rim the vessel.

Vessel with Battle Scene

600–900

Mesoamerica, Maya, Nebaj region, Late Classic Period, 7th-10th century

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