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Carved Bowl, 6th century
Mexico or Guatemala; Maya
Ceramic; H. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm), Diam. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm)
Purchase, Fletcher Fund and Arthur Bullowa Bequest, 2000 (2000.60)

This magnificent high-gloss blackware bowl is decorated with carved and incised feathered serpents. Profile human figures are seated in front of their bearded jaws. The bodies of the serpents undulate with regularity around the circumference of the vessel. The figures are perhaps emerging from the underworld as the bearded, feathered serpent is thought to be a personification of that fearsome place. On the inner rim of this bowl is a series of bars and dots that, if intended as a Maya date, would correspond with 539 A.D.


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    Carved Bowl, 6th century
    Mexico or Guatemala; Maya
    Ceramic; H. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm), Diam. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm)
    Purchase, Fletcher Fund and Arthur Bullowa Bequest, 2000 (2000.60)