Vessel with scribe

4th–5th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
This lidded vessel was an offering in the burial of an important lord at Calakmul. It contained the remains of food that was prepared for the deceased in the afterlife. The figure on the lid defies certain identification, but pointed deer ears projecting above the earspools suggest that it is a scribe, or perhaps a monkey deity, the patron god of scribes.


Vasija con escriba
Tumba 1, Estructura III, Calakmul, Campeche, México
Siglo IV al V
Cerámica

Esta vasija se ofrendó en el entierro de un importante señor de Calakmul. Cuando se encontró, en su interior se hallaron restos de comida preparada para los difuntos en el más allá. No se ha podido identificar la figura de la tapa, pero las orejas puntiagudas de venado sobre las orejeras del personaje sugieren que se trata de un escriba o, tal vez, de una deidad mono, dios patrono de los escribas.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Vessel with scribe
  • Date: 4th–5th century
  • Geography: Mexico, Campeche
  • Culture: Maya
  • Medium: Ceramic
  • Dimensions: H. 9 1/16 × W. 7 1/4 × D. 7 1/4 in., 4.4 lb. (23 × 18.4 × 18.4 cm, 2 kg)
  • Classification: Ceramics-Vessels
  • Credit Line: Museo Nacional de Antropología, Mexico City, Secretaría de Cultura–Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing