Plate with gods shooting blowguns

7th–9th 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 plate features two young gods shooting blowguns at a supernatural bird pictured at center. Their skin is ridden with black sores, symbolic of humility and sickness, contrasting with the bird’s ostentatious appearance. Colonial and modern mythical narratives, including the Popol Wuj, explain how young, humble, and sometimes ailing heroes vanquished older, stronger, and wealthier foes who opposed their rise as luminaries.

Plato con dioses que soplan cerbatanas
México
Siglo VI al IX
Cerámica

Este plato muestra a dos dioses jóvenes disparando sus cerbatanas contra un pájaro sobrenatural representado en el centro. Ambos tienen la piel cubierta de pústulas negras, señal de su humildad y enfermedad, que contrasta con la apariencia ostentosa del ave. Las narrativas coloniales y modernas –incluido el Popol Wuj– explican cómo los héroes jóvenes, humildes y a veces enfermos vencieron a enemigos mayores, más fuertes y más ricos que impedían su ascenso al cielo como luminarias.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Plate with gods shooting blowguns
Date: 7th–9th century
Geography: Mexico
Culture: Maya
Medium: Ceramic
Dimensions: H. 17 1/2 × W. 17 1/2 × D. 13/16 in., 3.3 lb. (44.5 × 44.5 × 2 cm, 1.5 kg)
Classification: Ceramics-Containers
Credit Line: Museo Maya de Cancún, Mexico, Secretaría de Cultura–Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing