Fragment Of A Mayan Culture Vase, 800-900 Ad

Fragment of a Cylindrical Vase
Maya Culture, Copán, Late Classic Period, Honduras, 800–900 AD
Beige terracotta with a glossy orange slip.

Height: 22 cm
With base: 30 cm

Provenance: Former private collection, Paris
Restauration

The fragment is decorated with a dignitary wearing a necklace, a knotted loincloth, and crossing his arms over his chest. In front of him, friezes of scrolls and profile-view faces are depicted. Above his head, a double scroll and staff-like motifs are present.

This vase fragment originates from the Copán region, one of the major centers of Maya civilization during the Late Classic Period (800–900 AD). It is made of beige terracotta covered with a carefully polished orange slip, a hallmark of fine ceramics from this period. Cylindrical vases were commonly used in rituals and could hold beverages such as cacao. This type of ceramic reflects the artistic refinement and technical mastery of Copán’s Maya potters.