Vessel with Battle Scene

600–900
Overall: 17.2 x 15.4 cm (6 3/4 x 6 1/16 in.)
Weight: 0.9kg
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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.
Vessel with Battle Scene

Vessel with Battle Scene

600–900

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

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